Monday, December 21, 2009
December 16th, 2009
"As far as the neverending problem with the knee... So, I am buying boots today and they will be expensive, I will need money in my account after that--there is a good reason why and I think you will understand. The mission doctor called this morning and went through a lot of analogies of how much weight one puts on their body in relation to some really big airplanes (he obviously talks to a lot of Elder's) and said that with the wear of my boot in certain places and how my knee hurts, I have damage on the maniscus or however one spells that. There are two options. He said I have to basically never run, cannot walk too much, he said never put weight on it, have good support (he thanks you for that), use ibuprofen only when it hurts, and he'll call back in a few weeks. The other option breaks my heart. He said that I will need to get an MRI and most likely go home to have surgery and have to recover for about 6 months. I am sorry, but I don't want to be home for Christmas!"
December 7
My companion just bought a Christmas CD and it is great! There are all of these great German songs that we just sang last week at a Seniorenheim (Senior Home). That was a lot of fun. They just LOVED Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer. We sang with the Junge Damen (Young Women) and all three of them are sisters and from England, but have lived in Germany their whole lives so they speak both languages fluently. Afterwards we got to talk to the people and that was fun. I have found out some information this past week that I wanted to pass on.
So, Germans only study WWI and WWII for history, sometimes back to the 1800s, but never further than that. Wierd, huh? They were jealous that we learned about Medieval times. And, the man told me that we live on the western side of Berlin. When I asked, he was so appalled and confused as to why I didn't know. Haha. It was great. And, he said that yes, he would also put just tons of money under his pillow because you couldn't trust the banks, so he had tons of paper one day, and the next it would all be gone. There was a name for that, the economic flow of money, something to do with pigs, but I already forgot.
As far as the work goes, it is just continuing to be as busy as ever! We have transfers coming up on Saturday and I am pretty sure I am staying here and my companion is going. See, I love my companion, I really admire her, but she has been here for like 7 months and part of it she was here for Christmas last year. I guess we'll see. Time just flies though. On Saturday Sabine got baptized which was a wonderful miracle. Her husband is a less active and he gave the closing prayer and everyone was like, "whoa, did you hear his prayer? He definitely felt something." And all day he was trying to get his kids to be quiet and would say, this is a really important day for Mommy, we need to be good. Or he would say, "Today is mommy's day, but someday Cadey, when you are eight you'll also be baptized. Julian, you are three, that means you have five years until you get baptized!" That was so cool!
As far as the number of baptisms I have helped with, it is three, but one was for an 8 year old, one was for Robert, and on Saturday it was for Sabine. These are all people found through members. So, members are the most important people! Including Dad's story about the people who admired Donny Osmond and later joined the church--obviously member work. Jan is still hanging around. He will be so strong and then disappear for a few days. Surprisingly he showed up to church yesterday, his favorite day is fast and testimony meeting. So, he came, but didn't stay for any other meetings. He then came to our Christmas concert later on because he loves music. It was so great! We had five investigators there and one girl, Tanya, comes to english class and she just loved the music. She and her friend had found the church in Ukraine and would go every now and again. She says the church is too far now, but was talking about how her friend lives in Chicago, found the church and would go every week. They aren't in contact too much anymore, but she was saying maybe her friend is a member and joined the church. She was talking about joining too! We just need to get her to come for real! But, two hours to church really is a long time... Pray for her!
One little fact about German Christmas. So, the song, "Silent Night, Holy Night" comes of course from the song "Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht" which is the 24th of December, the day they open presents. And, each weekend is a new advent (hence the Advent calendars which are everywhere here) which I have yet to find out more information about that. And, the night before the 6th of December, everyone puts their shoes outside their door and Santa puts little presents in their shoes. I am not sure why, but it is pretty cool. Other than that, the decorations look exactly the same, well they have more Santas and even have a day for him (I forgot when). Oh, and they have these little towers that have fans on the top that move when the candles under them are lit. They are really cool and have nativity scenes in them. I am sorry, but I don't have too much time to write a letter to Uncle Terry, I want to, he is definitely getting a postcard from me! He is on my list, I have the picture printed out and everything! But, let him know that I love him and look forward to going Snowboarding with him next year! I hope he is working out so that we can go!
Well, I gotta go!
Love Sister Turner
So, Germans only study WWI and WWII for history, sometimes back to the 1800s, but never further than that. Wierd, huh? They were jealous that we learned about Medieval times. And, the man told me that we live on the western side of Berlin. When I asked, he was so appalled and confused as to why I didn't know. Haha. It was great. And, he said that yes, he would also put just tons of money under his pillow because you couldn't trust the banks, so he had tons of paper one day, and the next it would all be gone. There was a name for that, the economic flow of money, something to do with pigs, but I already forgot.
As far as the work goes, it is just continuing to be as busy as ever! We have transfers coming up on Saturday and I am pretty sure I am staying here and my companion is going. See, I love my companion, I really admire her, but she has been here for like 7 months and part of it she was here for Christmas last year. I guess we'll see. Time just flies though. On Saturday Sabine got baptized which was a wonderful miracle. Her husband is a less active and he gave the closing prayer and everyone was like, "whoa, did you hear his prayer? He definitely felt something." And all day he was trying to get his kids to be quiet and would say, this is a really important day for Mommy, we need to be good. Or he would say, "Today is mommy's day, but someday Cadey, when you are eight you'll also be baptized. Julian, you are three, that means you have five years until you get baptized!" That was so cool!
As far as the number of baptisms I have helped with, it is three, but one was for an 8 year old, one was for Robert, and on Saturday it was for Sabine. These are all people found through members. So, members are the most important people! Including Dad's story about the people who admired Donny Osmond and later joined the church--obviously member work. Jan is still hanging around. He will be so strong and then disappear for a few days. Surprisingly he showed up to church yesterday, his favorite day is fast and testimony meeting. So, he came, but didn't stay for any other meetings. He then came to our Christmas concert later on because he loves music. It was so great! We had five investigators there and one girl, Tanya, comes to english class and she just loved the music. She and her friend had found the church in Ukraine and would go every now and again. She says the church is too far now, but was talking about how her friend lives in Chicago, found the church and would go every week. They aren't in contact too much anymore, but she was saying maybe her friend is a member and joined the church. She was talking about joining too! We just need to get her to come for real! But, two hours to church really is a long time... Pray for her!
One little fact about German Christmas. So, the song, "Silent Night, Holy Night" comes of course from the song "Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht" which is the 24th of December, the day they open presents. And, each weekend is a new advent (hence the Advent calendars which are everywhere here) which I have yet to find out more information about that. And, the night before the 6th of December, everyone puts their shoes outside their door and Santa puts little presents in their shoes. I am not sure why, but it is pretty cool. Other than that, the decorations look exactly the same, well they have more Santas and even have a day for him (I forgot when). Oh, and they have these little towers that have fans on the top that move when the candles under them are lit. They are really cool and have nativity scenes in them. I am sorry, but I don't have too much time to write a letter to Uncle Terry, I want to, he is definitely getting a postcard from me! He is on my list, I have the picture printed out and everything! But, let him know that I love him and look forward to going Snowboarding with him next year! I hope he is working out so that we can go!
Well, I gotta go!
Love Sister Turner
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Pre-Thanksgiving update
Hi Mom!
So, I don't have much time, my comp is already done, and we have to eat our Thanksgiving feast soon! All of the missionaries in the zone are here so it is going to be fun. I talked to the mission presidents wife and she says with the symptoms I probably have a first or second degree sprain. So, I guess we'll see. Oh, and guess what, my comp has just as bad eyes as me! It is fun to walk around and need to read a sign and we have to be like right next to it to read it. Luckily, her eye doctor didn't write down 20/20 vision and she has glasses. I put them on and there is just a whole other world that I am missing out on! So, just to let you know, we were going up in numbers, when we should have gone down. I need -1 or -1.5. Just random little side note!
So, this week, we were supposed to have a baptism, right? Well, sadly, she got lost and didn't make it. So, a little boy whose mother joined the church last year got baptized. He turned 8 in April and him and his 12 year old sister come to church by themselves. The ward didn't think he should get baptized if his mom wasn't active, but then they decided that it is okay! So, that was stressful, but so amazing at the same time. We have a baptism with Robert on Saturday, he'll get confirmed, then move to Vancouver on the 2nd of December. His testimony is getting stronger and stronger. And, his story proves that member work is the best! He met someone through facebook and wanted to know more! His first Sunday, he asked the Bishop about wearing garments and if it is comfortable or not. He is so excited and knows that the church is true! And, Sabine who was supposed to get baptized on Saturday will get baptized on the 5th. It was interesting, because the ward doesn't really get involved with missionary work, but they love Sabine, so they took it into their hands and re-set the date with her. So, that is everything that is going on with our investigators.
We are going to sing some awesome Christmas german songs at an old people home so that will be fun. We have tons of activities and things for the Holidays so I hope that people will let us talk to them with the spirit of Christmas being here. Sadly, or maybe it is a good thing, it is only beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the stores. This whole past week I didn't need to wear my boots because it was so warm. Yesterday I didn't even need a jacket! But, the colder months are coming... Anyway, it feels like California weather, it has been like 10-15 for the past week. (You can figure out the conversion because it hurts my head to do that...). Anyway, I gotta go help one of the elders make the turkey feast! Have a good week. And tell EVERYONE that I love them! I want to write, but this week is busy. I think of them often and am so thankful for their support!
Mit Liebe!Sister Turner
So, I don't have much time, my comp is already done, and we have to eat our Thanksgiving feast soon! All of the missionaries in the zone are here so it is going to be fun. I talked to the mission presidents wife and she says with the symptoms I probably have a first or second degree sprain. So, I guess we'll see. Oh, and guess what, my comp has just as bad eyes as me! It is fun to walk around and need to read a sign and we have to be like right next to it to read it. Luckily, her eye doctor didn't write down 20/20 vision and she has glasses. I put them on and there is just a whole other world that I am missing out on! So, just to let you know, we were going up in numbers, when we should have gone down. I need -1 or -1.5. Just random little side note!
So, this week, we were supposed to have a baptism, right? Well, sadly, she got lost and didn't make it. So, a little boy whose mother joined the church last year got baptized. He turned 8 in April and him and his 12 year old sister come to church by themselves. The ward didn't think he should get baptized if his mom wasn't active, but then they decided that it is okay! So, that was stressful, but so amazing at the same time. We have a baptism with Robert on Saturday, he'll get confirmed, then move to Vancouver on the 2nd of December. His testimony is getting stronger and stronger. And, his story proves that member work is the best! He met someone through facebook and wanted to know more! His first Sunday, he asked the Bishop about wearing garments and if it is comfortable or not. He is so excited and knows that the church is true! And, Sabine who was supposed to get baptized on Saturday will get baptized on the 5th. It was interesting, because the ward doesn't really get involved with missionary work, but they love Sabine, so they took it into their hands and re-set the date with her. So, that is everything that is going on with our investigators.
We are going to sing some awesome Christmas german songs at an old people home so that will be fun. We have tons of activities and things for the Holidays so I hope that people will let us talk to them with the spirit of Christmas being here. Sadly, or maybe it is a good thing, it is only beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the stores. This whole past week I didn't need to wear my boots because it was so warm. Yesterday I didn't even need a jacket! But, the colder months are coming... Anyway, it feels like California weather, it has been like 10-15 for the past week. (You can figure out the conversion because it hurts my head to do that...). Anyway, I gotta go help one of the elders make the turkey feast! Have a good week. And tell EVERYONE that I love them! I want to write, but this week is busy. I think of them often and am so thankful for their support!
Mit Liebe!Sister Turner
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Berlin Pt. II with Christmas wishes
My new companion is great! Her name is Sister Ryser and she is just one of the nicest people ever. Berlin is CRAZY different. Talking to people on the street is way different. I have to practice a new approach because no one has time like they did up north. They were all students so they had all the time in the world! Well, kind of. But, we are working with some of the investigators that have been around for a while and sadly there isn't as much finding time. I didn't think I would be as sad about that as I am because we did 3 hours a day every day last transfer. Oh, well. We are getting it figured out.
Sister Ryser has been here for almost six transfers (six weeks in a transfer) and knows the ward and the area really well. But, seeing as she has been here so long, that probably means that she is going to leave soon so I really need to get to know the area. Buses are so stressful and I feel like we walk in circles! But, good news, two of the people that we taught committed to getting baptized! They are getting baptized probably on the 21st and 28th! One, Sabine, she is from Poland and lived in Utah for a while. She has three kids and feels like an outcast in Germany because three is so many. She loves the environment of the church and just wants to join. Our big task is to make sure she has a testimony of Christ and his atonement. The other person is Robert and he is 31 and going to live in Vancouver for a while. He heard of the church through Facebook from a girl in California and we are not sure if he has a testimony of Christ either, but he loves the idea of the family and having the opportunity to live with them forever. So, we have a big task ahead of ourselves!
As far as my knee is concerned it is just really big and gross. But, I will continue to take ibuprofen as prescribed... I really don't want to see a doctor, it is so discouraging and I really don't want to waste time... And I don't want it to slow me down! Oh, well, I guess we'll see. We aren't biking as much, we are actually riding the bus, metro and walking more. So, maybe like he told me before, exercise is good. Oh, and tell Dr. Bala I say hi!
So, I did bring some thermals, but they aren't very thick. I brought a pair that I used for skiing, they are thick and soft so that is good. Thick socks would be good too. (In a later email emily said thick tights would be better). I hate asking for so much though! But, at the same time it would probably be good. Oh, and I have plenty of scarves--I have six of them. But, no beenies (yes I can wear them), I have really thin gloves, just the cheep-o kind. As for thermal tops, I have like two or three... I would like earings! They would be good and are good accent to so many layers. Things like cashmere sweaters would be good because they are nicer than the fleece sweater that I wear every day. As for recipes, yes, recipes would be great. There are a few recipes from Katie, but I could always use more-for practical things. We buy a lot of the basics and I found out it is way cheaper! Anything with the basic substances of flour, eggs, milk, and water. I don't really like to eat cereal in the morning so we eat crepes a lot. But, anything like that would be nice. We made walking tacos the other day and it was the best thing ever. Taco seasoning is such a luxury. Ranch packets could be cool too. I don't know, you wanted ideas so there are a few.
We can go throughout our Zone for P-Day and that is the whole city of Berlin and a little farther I think. The museums are closed on Monday, but if I ask President for permission, we could switch.
MELISSA IS PREGNANT??? When is she due? When did you find out? What is it? What names are they choosing? BAH! I am so super excited! Oh, and Katie sent me pics of Jocelyn, so she showed me pictures the legal way. We're good. But, if you ever want to send pictures of New Zealand for example, e-mailing them is totally legit.
You are doing a Corazon party again? I am so happy. You are such good examples to me with that. Even though it is dangerous and everyone keeps dropping out because of fear you keep staying with it. It reminds me of a story in the Book of Mormon when who is it, King Benjamin says, for are we all not beggars from the same maker? Last, but not least, I have no ideas on the details of the phone call. Christmas is in the next transfer and I can only think in one transfer at a time... But, I am pretty sure all family is legit. I don't know how long it can be, we actually just read in the white hand book (we read it every day) that the call is supposed to be 30-40 minutes... We'll see what president says though... Welp, I am going to go see the Brandenburg Tor, today is the 20 year mark of the wall falling down so they have some festivities and things going on! We are so lucky that it landed on a P-Day! They are going to knock over some dominoes and other things. So, have a fantastic day! Love, Sister Turner
Sister Ryser has been here for almost six transfers (six weeks in a transfer) and knows the ward and the area really well. But, seeing as she has been here so long, that probably means that she is going to leave soon so I really need to get to know the area. Buses are so stressful and I feel like we walk in circles! But, good news, two of the people that we taught committed to getting baptized! They are getting baptized probably on the 21st and 28th! One, Sabine, she is from Poland and lived in Utah for a while. She has three kids and feels like an outcast in Germany because three is so many. She loves the environment of the church and just wants to join. Our big task is to make sure she has a testimony of Christ and his atonement. The other person is Robert and he is 31 and going to live in Vancouver for a while. He heard of the church through Facebook from a girl in California and we are not sure if he has a testimony of Christ either, but he loves the idea of the family and having the opportunity to live with them forever. So, we have a big task ahead of ourselves!
As far as my knee is concerned it is just really big and gross. But, I will continue to take ibuprofen as prescribed... I really don't want to see a doctor, it is so discouraging and I really don't want to waste time... And I don't want it to slow me down! Oh, well, I guess we'll see. We aren't biking as much, we are actually riding the bus, metro and walking more. So, maybe like he told me before, exercise is good. Oh, and tell Dr. Bala I say hi!
So, I did bring some thermals, but they aren't very thick. I brought a pair that I used for skiing, they are thick and soft so that is good. Thick socks would be good too. (In a later email emily said thick tights would be better). I hate asking for so much though! But, at the same time it would probably be good. Oh, and I have plenty of scarves--I have six of them. But, no beenies (yes I can wear them), I have really thin gloves, just the cheep-o kind. As for thermal tops, I have like two or three... I would like earings! They would be good and are good accent to so many layers. Things like cashmere sweaters would be good because they are nicer than the fleece sweater that I wear every day. As for recipes, yes, recipes would be great. There are a few recipes from Katie, but I could always use more-for practical things. We buy a lot of the basics and I found out it is way cheaper! Anything with the basic substances of flour, eggs, milk, and water. I don't really like to eat cereal in the morning so we eat crepes a lot. But, anything like that would be nice. We made walking tacos the other day and it was the best thing ever. Taco seasoning is such a luxury. Ranch packets could be cool too. I don't know, you wanted ideas so there are a few.
We can go throughout our Zone for P-Day and that is the whole city of Berlin and a little farther I think. The museums are closed on Monday, but if I ask President for permission, we could switch.
MELISSA IS PREGNANT??? When is she due? When did you find out? What is it? What names are they choosing? BAH! I am so super excited! Oh, and Katie sent me pics of Jocelyn, so she showed me pictures the legal way. We're good. But, if you ever want to send pictures of New Zealand for example, e-mailing them is totally legit.
You are doing a Corazon party again? I am so happy. You are such good examples to me with that. Even though it is dangerous and everyone keeps dropping out because of fear you keep staying with it. It reminds me of a story in the Book of Mormon when who is it, King Benjamin says, for are we all not beggars from the same maker? Last, but not least, I have no ideas on the details of the phone call. Christmas is in the next transfer and I can only think in one transfer at a time... But, I am pretty sure all family is legit. I don't know how long it can be, we actually just read in the white hand book (we read it every day) that the call is supposed to be 30-40 minutes... We'll see what president says though... Welp, I am going to go see the Brandenburg Tor, today is the 20 year mark of the wall falling down so they have some festivities and things going on! We are so lucky that it landed on a P-Day! They are going to knock over some dominoes and other things. So, have a fantastic day! Love, Sister Turner
From Berlin
Hey! So, things are crazy busy here. Way busier than Greifswald. But still in a good way. Where we would spend 5 hours of finding, we are spending 5 hours preparing for our baptisms, working with members, inactives, and investigators. So much to do!
I love it here. We have a few investigators that want to get baptized, well actually we have two baptisms on Saturday. One for a lady named Sabine who lived in Utah and loves the idea that families can live together forever so she is building her testimony and bringing her kids to church. Her husband is already a member but doesn't usually come to church. The other person, well he is an 8 year old kid named Prince. He is the most adorable thing! He is so excited and has waited a long time for this, I don't know what happened, but this was supposed to happen in April... The next person will be baptized on the 28th and his name is Robert. He wanted to get baptized before he goes to Canada on the 2nd of December. He found the church through facebook from some girl in California. He knows the most random facts about the church like the fact that we do genealogy... But, he is reading the Book of Mormon and knows that it is another testament of Jesus Christ and is excited to "finally be a Mormon." The next person who doesn't have a baptismal date yet is Jan. We had a wonderful appointment with him the other day, and he bore such an amazing testimony, but can't join because he is addicted to gambling. I don't really know what the rules are, but I guess you can't get baptized with such a heavy addiction. He plays poker for a living and literally has nothing else to do with his day. It is sad because you can see that he has lost motivation to do anything else with his time. I hope that someday he will stop and recognize his addiction, but as for right now, all we can do is help build his testimony of Jesus Christ.
So, that is some of what is going on with my time here in Tiergarten! I love being here and serving in the big city. Our church is right down the road from a huge statue with an angel and if you keep walking down that road for a while you will find the TV tower. There are statues all over the place and the buildings (well the ones that weren't destroyed from WWII) are just beautiful. There is a river flowing through the city and churches all over the place. I love Germany! The language (though many people think it is hackey) is actually quite beatiful when coming from the mouth of a German. It truly is a miracle to me that I can understand the language around me and actually be a part of the conversation.
I know that God is blessing me for being out here and doing the work!
Have a good day! Love Sister Turner
I love it here. We have a few investigators that want to get baptized, well actually we have two baptisms on Saturday. One for a lady named Sabine who lived in Utah and loves the idea that families can live together forever so she is building her testimony and bringing her kids to church. Her husband is already a member but doesn't usually come to church. The other person, well he is an 8 year old kid named Prince. He is the most adorable thing! He is so excited and has waited a long time for this, I don't know what happened, but this was supposed to happen in April... The next person will be baptized on the 28th and his name is Robert. He wanted to get baptized before he goes to Canada on the 2nd of December. He found the church through facebook from some girl in California. He knows the most random facts about the church like the fact that we do genealogy... But, he is reading the Book of Mormon and knows that it is another testament of Jesus Christ and is excited to "finally be a Mormon." The next person who doesn't have a baptismal date yet is Jan. We had a wonderful appointment with him the other day, and he bore such an amazing testimony, but can't join because he is addicted to gambling. I don't really know what the rules are, but I guess you can't get baptized with such a heavy addiction. He plays poker for a living and literally has nothing else to do with his day. It is sad because you can see that he has lost motivation to do anything else with his time. I hope that someday he will stop and recognize his addiction, but as for right now, all we can do is help build his testimony of Jesus Christ.
So, that is some of what is going on with my time here in Tiergarten! I love being here and serving in the big city. Our church is right down the road from a huge statue with an angel and if you keep walking down that road for a while you will find the TV tower. There are statues all over the place and the buildings (well the ones that weren't destroyed from WWII) are just beautiful. There is a river flowing through the city and churches all over the place. I love Germany! The language (though many people think it is hackey) is actually quite beatiful when coming from the mouth of a German. It truly is a miracle to me that I can understand the language around me and actually be a part of the conversation.
I know that God is blessing me for being out here and doing the work!
Have a good day! Love Sister Turner
"ich bin veresetzt"
So, the title of this e-mail "ich bin veresetzt" means that I am transferred! I am going to the heart of Berlin to a section called Tiergarten. I am excited to meet a new ward and find new investigators. I don't know anything about Berlin except the accent is different there and e-mailing is free because it is at the church. Yesterday was fast and testimony meeting and I bore my testimony and as I looked out in the crowd of... maybe 15 people... I realized how close to them I've gotten in the past four months and have really grown a deep love for the people here in Greifswald. I have learned so much about DDR times, the culture, the language, missionary work, and most of all--me. On Thursday, October 29th, I hit my six month mark. Wow, has time flown by. I was so excited of course.
In the morning we had a district meeting and I had to lead the discussion on Baptism. It was pretty good and we all felt really energized about missionary work. Then, we ate lunch in the MENSA where all the students eat. We were asked by our Branch President to eat there once a week. I'll just say this once. Missionaries are really awkward among their peers. Yes, I am included.
Then, we had an appointment with 15 year old Maria. She had skipped out on our appointment on Monday and felt bad so we had another one. We decided to read from Moroni 7 and re-commit her to come to church. Surprisingly she had already decided she wanted to come back and said that life is boring without church! Then, we saw the only Mexican in Germany--Amir and he was so excited to see us. He didn't have much time but told us he would come to church. Then, we decided to go by on a contact and spur of the moment I asked about a guy named Thomas who we had given a Book of Mormon to and we went by on him and he committed to come to church and would bring a friend! Then, we made our way out to Wolgast. We did a power besuch with a family there--it means they pray for a street for us to do doors on. It was a really good appointment and they also gave us a referral and an inactive member to go by on, then we were on our way. So, we found the inactive member and taught her a lesson and tried to get her to come to church and she wants to but has to work on Sundays. Then, we went by on the contact who said no, but said that we would definitely see each other again and maybe she'll come to church. Then, we talked to a drunk lady who was really excited to meet us until she found out the church's stance on gay people due to her homosexual son. Then, she cried and yelled at us while walking away. So, feeling a little discouraged, we decided to go over and do some doors on the street that the family had given us and we had a total of seven minutes until 8PM when it is pointless to do doors. We almost gave up, but then decided to be diligent until the end. Then, the first person we got a hold of had interest in the Book of Mormon and we made a return appointment for the following week. Then, we walked to the train station and watched our train leave us by a total of maybe 90 seconds. So, knowing that the train would leave the next station in 10 minutes we ran there. Sister Pratt sprinted toward the end in order for us to make it... And, if the information of the train leaving in 10 minutes would have been correct, we would have made it. However, it was wrong and we ran there in order to sit on a bench sweating in the cold for an hour. Sadly, this is not the first time this has happened. Then, a few minutes early, an unoccupied train arrived heading in the direction of home. But, our train was on Platform one and at a different time, so we felt good about watching it leave. Then, our train arrived, but heading in the wrong direction. Confused, we still got on the train. Then, while on the train, we asked the conductor which train to take to Greifswald. She pulled out her schedule and said, you just missed the last one. Now we were literally stuck in the middle of no where at 9:30PM. So, we got off the next stop and called our district leader to tell him our situation. He presented two options. Call the Johnson's-who previously recieved a call from an Elder in a similar situation and left him stranded in the middle of no where; or call our Ward Mission Leader in Wolgast who is our age and a bit flirtatious. We chose option two. Miraculously all he said was, "I'll be there in 10 minutes." Then, luckily he didn't ask questions and drove us the 40 minutes home in which my companion was somehow forced to sit in the front seat because I refused to and she felt like she was set up on a horrible blind date. I couldn't hear their conversation because the engine in that mini-van was so loud... We were dropped off at the train station to pick up our bikes and we sped our way home. So, that was my lovely six month mark. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!
I can't believe Karley caught some burglars! Way to go! Did they have my lap-top? Ugh. But, that is so good that she didn't get hurt or anything. Those guys sure sound dumb--especially to a security alarm salesman... As far as money guys--I am set! I will probably look for a coat today. I heard that the best place to get a jacket is from H&M which is a store that sells cute clothes so I am excited about that of course!
As far as boots--Mom, my feet are fine. That is not a problem. The problem is my knee. Did you catch that in my last letter? My knee is swollen like it was when I was younger and it is starting to hurt and I am tired of taking ibuprofen--it is going to give me an ulcer soon. What do we do? Should we ask Dr. Bala? Seriously, I don't know what to do. Mt. High is already open? I almost wish I could be there. We don't have any snow here yet. Which is good.
In the morning we had a district meeting and I had to lead the discussion on Baptism. It was pretty good and we all felt really energized about missionary work. Then, we ate lunch in the MENSA where all the students eat. We were asked by our Branch President to eat there once a week. I'll just say this once. Missionaries are really awkward among their peers. Yes, I am included.
Then, we had an appointment with 15 year old Maria. She had skipped out on our appointment on Monday and felt bad so we had another one. We decided to read from Moroni 7 and re-commit her to come to church. Surprisingly she had already decided she wanted to come back and said that life is boring without church! Then, we saw the only Mexican in Germany--Amir and he was so excited to see us. He didn't have much time but told us he would come to church. Then, we decided to go by on a contact and spur of the moment I asked about a guy named Thomas who we had given a Book of Mormon to and we went by on him and he committed to come to church and would bring a friend! Then, we made our way out to Wolgast. We did a power besuch with a family there--it means they pray for a street for us to do doors on. It was a really good appointment and they also gave us a referral and an inactive member to go by on, then we were on our way. So, we found the inactive member and taught her a lesson and tried to get her to come to church and she wants to but has to work on Sundays. Then, we went by on the contact who said no, but said that we would definitely see each other again and maybe she'll come to church. Then, we talked to a drunk lady who was really excited to meet us until she found out the church's stance on gay people due to her homosexual son. Then, she cried and yelled at us while walking away. So, feeling a little discouraged, we decided to go over and do some doors on the street that the family had given us and we had a total of seven minutes until 8PM when it is pointless to do doors. We almost gave up, but then decided to be diligent until the end. Then, the first person we got a hold of had interest in the Book of Mormon and we made a return appointment for the following week. Then, we walked to the train station and watched our train leave us by a total of maybe 90 seconds. So, knowing that the train would leave the next station in 10 minutes we ran there. Sister Pratt sprinted toward the end in order for us to make it... And, if the information of the train leaving in 10 minutes would have been correct, we would have made it. However, it was wrong and we ran there in order to sit on a bench sweating in the cold for an hour. Sadly, this is not the first time this has happened. Then, a few minutes early, an unoccupied train arrived heading in the direction of home. But, our train was on Platform one and at a different time, so we felt good about watching it leave. Then, our train arrived, but heading in the wrong direction. Confused, we still got on the train. Then, while on the train, we asked the conductor which train to take to Greifswald. She pulled out her schedule and said, you just missed the last one. Now we were literally stuck in the middle of no where at 9:30PM. So, we got off the next stop and called our district leader to tell him our situation. He presented two options. Call the Johnson's-who previously recieved a call from an Elder in a similar situation and left him stranded in the middle of no where; or call our Ward Mission Leader in Wolgast who is our age and a bit flirtatious. We chose option two. Miraculously all he said was, "I'll be there in 10 minutes." Then, luckily he didn't ask questions and drove us the 40 minutes home in which my companion was somehow forced to sit in the front seat because I refused to and she felt like she was set up on a horrible blind date. I couldn't hear their conversation because the engine in that mini-van was so loud... We were dropped off at the train station to pick up our bikes and we sped our way home. So, that was my lovely six month mark. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!
I can't believe Karley caught some burglars! Way to go! Did they have my lap-top? Ugh. But, that is so good that she didn't get hurt or anything. Those guys sure sound dumb--especially to a security alarm salesman... As far as money guys--I am set! I will probably look for a coat today. I heard that the best place to get a jacket is from H&M which is a store that sells cute clothes so I am excited about that of course!
As far as boots--Mom, my feet are fine. That is not a problem. The problem is my knee. Did you catch that in my last letter? My knee is swollen like it was when I was younger and it is starting to hurt and I am tired of taking ibuprofen--it is going to give me an ulcer soon. What do we do? Should we ask Dr. Bala? Seriously, I don't know what to do. Mt. High is already open? I almost wish I could be there. We don't have any snow here yet. Which is good.
Monday, October 12, 2009
10/12/09
Dear Mom,
You're going to New Zealand on WEDNESDAY? Really? When did you decide that? And you wrote it so matter of factly, but you haven't previously mentioned this in letters or E-mails. Um. Please see the hobbit homes there. That would be so cool. And maybe you could sing the songs from Lord of the Rings. One of the girls who was in Russia with me was writing an Elder who went on his mission there. You can go to church! Oh, and I am really jealous that you are going to New Zealand! Are you making any stops on the way? Like in Berlin? Haha, just kidding! That is so out of the way!
So, you are buying the property from Nana? What are you going to do with it? I love that area! Are you going to move before I get back? Last time I got back you were in a new house too!
Thanks for taking care of the debit card thing for me! It will be perfect timing because I really should get a jacket soon. The rain coat and fleece sweaters are good for now, but it is going to get much much colder. And I don't have hardly any winter socks or anything. So, actually I guess that could be my Christmas wish--cute warm clothes. I don't have very many nice sweaters or pull-overs or whatever you call them. Do you know what I mean? Well, if not, money would be better and then I could just buy the warm stuff here. And gloves, I should have brought my snowboarding gloves, and I almost did, but then I didn't, but I guess fingers would be nice. Then, I can still give out pass-along cards. I just warm stuff for Christmas, like hand warmers and thermals--actually if thermals are too expensive or too hard to find leggins are actually quite perfect. And they look nicer too when I take my boots off and the leggins are sticking out... Haha. It is awesome!
Well, we have been super busy lately and we've been getting in late due to General Conference and missing a train in Stralsund, then my comp and I go running in the morning, we wake up early like 6:15 and let me tell you what, that will definitely wake you up. Especially when it is cold. But it's not usually too bad.
Sadly Maria, the fifteen year old who couldn't get baptized because of her mom, got a twenty-one year old boyfriend and has decided to not come to church for a while. That was really hard. But, she will still meet with us so that is good.
We have also been doing doors on Makarenko Strasse (same with the Jehova's Witnesses which was kind of awkward...) and found someone who knows Sandy so she talked to us and made an appointment with us (then fell out) and we found a lady who had a revelation that two people were going to come to her door and bring her the true church and a week later who was at her door, but the Jehova's Witnesses. Haha. You thought it was going to be us, ha? Nope. She actually joined their church for a good two years, but then couldn't accept the fact that only 144,000 people would be saved, hated wearing skirts every day, and didn't know how to explain to her kids why they couldn't celebrate any holidays. Little does she know, we are two people who showed up to her door and have the truth for her! We are going to go back in a few days. She is so ready.
And, we had a lesson with Udo Ressel out in Stralsund. Remember the man who didn't have any pants on for our really spiritual lesson about God's Plan? Well, luckily it is colder outside so he had some shorts on. Sadly, his girlfriend (he is twenty five years her senior) and him were more wasted than anyone I have ever seen in my entire life. We taught him a little bit more, and testified of the truthfulness of God's plan and the book of Mormon and he totally believes too, but we were very firm in saying that if he continued to drink alcohol every time we were there that we can't go there any more. He was really sad and said he can't imagine life without drinking. So, please pray for him. He has one more chance with us, and then we'll have to give him back to God. We also talked with him about how his brother died and how his brother was drunk when it happened. It was interesting to see the change. Also, when the girlfriend would laugh about the book of Mormon he would get very serious and tell her that when we read out of that book it is not funny and that we needed to read it. Hopefully he'll make progress.
One last person, then I gotta go! Frau Pahl. The lady who won't get baptized because she doesn't want to go to the Celestial Kingdom without her sister. We had only heard that, so we finally asked and it is true. But, good news, we got her sister's contact information and we are going to stop by--not telling her where we got the information, we are just going to be doing work in the area. I am so grateful that she trusts us to work with her sisters. It has been years since missionaries have tried. Please pray for the best!
So, those are all my stories, I love you and have a wonderful time in New Zealand. Send me a postcard if you have time!
Love you! Sister Turner
PS Tell Chad I say hi!
By the way, the song "Angie" is playing in the background of this internet shop, literally called Babylon.
You're going to New Zealand on WEDNESDAY? Really? When did you decide that? And you wrote it so matter of factly, but you haven't previously mentioned this in letters or E-mails. Um. Please see the hobbit homes there. That would be so cool. And maybe you could sing the songs from Lord of the Rings. One of the girls who was in Russia with me was writing an Elder who went on his mission there. You can go to church! Oh, and I am really jealous that you are going to New Zealand! Are you making any stops on the way? Like in Berlin? Haha, just kidding! That is so out of the way!
So, you are buying the property from Nana? What are you going to do with it? I love that area! Are you going to move before I get back? Last time I got back you were in a new house too!
Thanks for taking care of the debit card thing for me! It will be perfect timing because I really should get a jacket soon. The rain coat and fleece sweaters are good for now, but it is going to get much much colder. And I don't have hardly any winter socks or anything. So, actually I guess that could be my Christmas wish--cute warm clothes. I don't have very many nice sweaters or pull-overs or whatever you call them. Do you know what I mean? Well, if not, money would be better and then I could just buy the warm stuff here. And gloves, I should have brought my snowboarding gloves, and I almost did, but then I didn't, but I guess fingers would be nice. Then, I can still give out pass-along cards. I just warm stuff for Christmas, like hand warmers and thermals--actually if thermals are too expensive or too hard to find leggins are actually quite perfect. And they look nicer too when I take my boots off and the leggins are sticking out... Haha. It is awesome!
Well, we have been super busy lately and we've been getting in late due to General Conference and missing a train in Stralsund, then my comp and I go running in the morning, we wake up early like 6:15 and let me tell you what, that will definitely wake you up. Especially when it is cold. But it's not usually too bad.
Sadly Maria, the fifteen year old who couldn't get baptized because of her mom, got a twenty-one year old boyfriend and has decided to not come to church for a while. That was really hard. But, she will still meet with us so that is good.
We have also been doing doors on Makarenko Strasse (same with the Jehova's Witnesses which was kind of awkward...) and found someone who knows Sandy so she talked to us and made an appointment with us (then fell out) and we found a lady who had a revelation that two people were going to come to her door and bring her the true church and a week later who was at her door, but the Jehova's Witnesses. Haha. You thought it was going to be us, ha? Nope. She actually joined their church for a good two years, but then couldn't accept the fact that only 144,000 people would be saved, hated wearing skirts every day, and didn't know how to explain to her kids why they couldn't celebrate any holidays. Little does she know, we are two people who showed up to her door and have the truth for her! We are going to go back in a few days. She is so ready.
And, we had a lesson with Udo Ressel out in Stralsund. Remember the man who didn't have any pants on for our really spiritual lesson about God's Plan? Well, luckily it is colder outside so he had some shorts on. Sadly, his girlfriend (he is twenty five years her senior) and him were more wasted than anyone I have ever seen in my entire life. We taught him a little bit more, and testified of the truthfulness of God's plan and the book of Mormon and he totally believes too, but we were very firm in saying that if he continued to drink alcohol every time we were there that we can't go there any more. He was really sad and said he can't imagine life without drinking. So, please pray for him. He has one more chance with us, and then we'll have to give him back to God. We also talked with him about how his brother died and how his brother was drunk when it happened. It was interesting to see the change. Also, when the girlfriend would laugh about the book of Mormon he would get very serious and tell her that when we read out of that book it is not funny and that we needed to read it. Hopefully he'll make progress.
One last person, then I gotta go! Frau Pahl. The lady who won't get baptized because she doesn't want to go to the Celestial Kingdom without her sister. We had only heard that, so we finally asked and it is true. But, good news, we got her sister's contact information and we are going to stop by--not telling her where we got the information, we are just going to be doing work in the area. I am so grateful that she trusts us to work with her sisters. It has been years since missionaries have tried. Please pray for the best!
So, those are all my stories, I love you and have a wonderful time in New Zealand. Send me a postcard if you have time!
Love you! Sister Turner
PS Tell Chad I say hi!
By the way, the song "Angie" is playing in the background of this internet shop, literally called Babylon.
Life is Busy With A New Companion!
Hey Everyone!
Meine gute, this past week has been the BUSIEST week ever. We got seven lessons done in one day! And, we almost acheived the mission standard of 20 lessons a week which is almost impossible, we got 19. We have had so many appointments and are hoping the best for our new investigators.
What a big load. I am so happy that you watched conference. It was so good and a lot of the things the prophets talked about are questions that people and investigators ask all the time. The biggest question here in Germany is, "if there is a God, why does he allow so many wars and dying to occur." Then, we explain free agency and they are still unhappy with the answer.
Well, we had the opportunity to see the RS broadcast, but then since most of the sisters came on Saturday they decided not to show it again. But, you want to hear a small miracle related to that? We have these two investigators named Fränze und Sylvia who are sisters. A couple of Elders talked to Fränze on the street last February and made out an appointment. She met with them and they introduced the Book of Mormon to her. She said she probably wouldn't change from her Evangelisch religion though. But, the elders offered to help her stop smoking which is a program we do in a week and she really did it! She said she wouldn't meet with them again, but then a week later she said she had read and prayed about the Book of Mormon and knew it was true. She also asked if she could share it with her sister and they both have the Book and read it as often as us missionaries do. Sadly, Fränze has a boyfriend that is holding her back from joining the church and she said she is not ready to choose between the church and him yet. Will you pray for her and her sister? We know that as soon as one of them joins, they both will.
Anyway, the little miracle is that they had asked a member about RS and what it is, then the whole theme was centered around that very topic! Wonderful! As far as conference is concerned we went to Neubrandenberg which was a two hour train ride both ways on Saturday afternoon for the Saturday morning session. We watched it in the church building they have there. If you go to our mission web site you can see us standing in front of it. But, I don't know the website. (I have contacted the mission office to get this and will post when I get it!) Then we went on Sunday morning for the Saturday afternoon session--it was weird to hear them pray about the priesthood session that the Men had just watched. Then, we went out to the center of town and talked to people, I don't know about you but I could not just sit all day. Maybe it was all the talk of missionary work and then being a missionary you don't quite feel like your up to par if you just sit around. So, we went outside and talked to a lot of mean people, but I'm sure we brought a few people closer to Christ... We actually invited a guy to come watch with us and he almost said yes, but then was "busy." Then we came back and watched the Sunday Morning session at 4PM. It was really good. Out of all of the talks we really heard the theme of LOVE and the Holy Ghost. It was really interesting to hear what they were preaching because it is really really similar to what we preach on the streets every day, but they did it so much better! Oh, and I was way excited to hear from Elder Perry talking about our ancestors in the Sanpete county. I was like, I know that area so well!
Welp, this past week was a hard working and wonderful one. I have never been so tired and never felt like there was more to do in my entire life. I only have time to give you a synopsis of our busiest day, Thursday. That is the day we go out to Stralsund. So, to answer your question, yes we did end up meeting Bob. We taught him about baptism and when we challenged him he sadly said no and that he has already been baptized even though he believes in the Book of Mormon. Then, my companion asked him what he knew about Joseph Smith and he said he didn't know anything. Of course he doesn't want to get baptized when he doesn't even understand that through Joseph Smith we have the full authority to be baptized! We are going to explain more about it next time. Then, we biked over to the train station and made sure most of our appointments were ready for us. They were. So, we had our first appointment with this guy named Daniel who just decided to come back to church after being inactive for a few years. We think he is a little crazy. He gave us chairs to sit on, then sat on a waterbottle with the water flowing all over the floor. Then, his mom came home and just started yelling at him and how he makes the place all messy. The whole time he is gently telling her how she is a sinner and since she is not a member of the true church she is going to hell. It was really awkward. Then, he gave me his tithing! He wouldn't let me give it back to him! I do NOT have the authority to take it, but he said the missionaries used to take it all the time... We promised ourselves we would never go back there. Then, we had made out an appointment the week before with a man named Kaya but he didn't really speak german and he didn't speak english, so he wasn't there, but we did doors in his apartment anyway and met a really nice kid whose dad just died... Then, we went over to Herr Beitter, the man with one leg and he usually gets really distracted, but this time we decided to use a puzzle and he focused the whole time! But, he doesn't want to get baptized, lost his book of Mormon, won't pray the way we do, and has the Jehova's Witnesses over all the time, so we are probably going to "Tchuss" (Goodbye) him.
Then, we went over to a couple of members' house and they gave us lunch! My first real German sauerkraut. It is boiled cabbage. What's the point? But, it really wasn't that bad! And potatoes and meat. Then, they have a little spoon above the plate called the "Kleiner Prophet" which is the small prophet because it is prophecying that you will get dessert. It was amazing and I never wanted to eat again. But, I just love these members, they are hilarious and call me "Tina." (Just in case you don't get the reference, it is from Tina Turner) They said that they heard of the church through a street display. The man, Bruder Koch, said that the first time he just walked by without a second thought, then they had another street display and he was curious. So, he met the missionaries and got some lessons and not too long later, was baptized! He had also been a big drinker before the church. His wife got baptized a few months later. Now, they are temple workers. Amazing!
Then, we went to Jirke's and last time teaching him was a complete mess, but this time was way way better. We went over the second lesson again and he is still trying to pray about the truth. He also asked us why he would want to get baptized if he knows that his family won't make it to the Celestial Kingdom. Will you pray for him? Thanks. Then, we met up with Kay (like our cousin's baby) at the train station and didn't have much time and he was unwilling to pray, so we only got a couple of principles out before he had to leave. It was really hard, we have no where to go in Stralsund to teach so we did it at a bus stop. Not very spiritual. But, he wants to meet with us again, so we are hopefully going to bring him to the Koch's! Then, we went to Udo, or so we thought. We got on a bus that said the bus stop, but then ended up literally in the middle of no where. The bus parking place for the night... So, my comp asked the bus driver what we could do and he said he would help us out. We were like, how? Then, he pulled up in his car and told us to get in. Boy, was I scared. Little did I know it is also way against the rules. But, we got in and he showed us pictures of his grandson and his dog and drove us right to Udo's apartment! Sadly, we were a half an hour late and Udo was not there. And he ended up calling us back that night at 2 in the morning. We didn't wake up though.... Then, we went to Frau Pahl's and she had made us a little dinner. She is the cutest lady ever and I am amazed to be able to finally understand the words she is saying especially compared to my first week there! I gave her my german copy of "Preach My Gospel" and she just loved it. I am so glad I gave it to her. She also raised up a concern as to why she has been investigating the church for 10 years, knows everything is true and won't join, she never got married and asked about people who aren't married and going to the Celestial Kingdom. Little does she know there is hope! So, through all that, we missed our train and had to catch one at 9:30PM so we talked to people outside the train station and made some appointments out! So, that was our busy day. I hope I didn't bore you too much with all of it! But, things are really going well and I am enjoying being a part of the teaching now. What a difference it makes when you can contribute!
Tell Nana I say hi and that I love her! I think that is all the time I have and all of the energy in my fingers is gone. But, I wanted to let you know that winter has finally come. Okay, it hasn't snowed yet, but the rain isn't very much fun with flats and tights. I was soaked the other day, so the point of the story is I went with Fränze today and got boots. Good german boots. Are you ready for the price?
€30. Not too bad I'd say. And they are waterproof. I felt good about it because I had a german by my side the whole time helping me. Anyway, that is most of the news of this past week!
Lots of Liebe, Sister Turner
Meine gute, this past week has been the BUSIEST week ever. We got seven lessons done in one day! And, we almost acheived the mission standard of 20 lessons a week which is almost impossible, we got 19. We have had so many appointments and are hoping the best for our new investigators.
What a big load. I am so happy that you watched conference. It was so good and a lot of the things the prophets talked about are questions that people and investigators ask all the time. The biggest question here in Germany is, "if there is a God, why does he allow so many wars and dying to occur." Then, we explain free agency and they are still unhappy with the answer.
Well, we had the opportunity to see the RS broadcast, but then since most of the sisters came on Saturday they decided not to show it again. But, you want to hear a small miracle related to that? We have these two investigators named Fränze und Sylvia who are sisters. A couple of Elders talked to Fränze on the street last February and made out an appointment. She met with them and they introduced the Book of Mormon to her. She said she probably wouldn't change from her Evangelisch religion though. But, the elders offered to help her stop smoking which is a program we do in a week and she really did it! She said she wouldn't meet with them again, but then a week later she said she had read and prayed about the Book of Mormon and knew it was true. She also asked if she could share it with her sister and they both have the Book and read it as often as us missionaries do. Sadly, Fränze has a boyfriend that is holding her back from joining the church and she said she is not ready to choose between the church and him yet. Will you pray for her and her sister? We know that as soon as one of them joins, they both will.
Anyway, the little miracle is that they had asked a member about RS and what it is, then the whole theme was centered around that very topic! Wonderful! As far as conference is concerned we went to Neubrandenberg which was a two hour train ride both ways on Saturday afternoon for the Saturday morning session. We watched it in the church building they have there. If you go to our mission web site you can see us standing in front of it. But, I don't know the website. (I have contacted the mission office to get this and will post when I get it!) Then we went on Sunday morning for the Saturday afternoon session--it was weird to hear them pray about the priesthood session that the Men had just watched. Then, we went out to the center of town and talked to people, I don't know about you but I could not just sit all day. Maybe it was all the talk of missionary work and then being a missionary you don't quite feel like your up to par if you just sit around. So, we went outside and talked to a lot of mean people, but I'm sure we brought a few people closer to Christ... We actually invited a guy to come watch with us and he almost said yes, but then was "busy." Then we came back and watched the Sunday Morning session at 4PM. It was really good. Out of all of the talks we really heard the theme of LOVE and the Holy Ghost. It was really interesting to hear what they were preaching because it is really really similar to what we preach on the streets every day, but they did it so much better! Oh, and I was way excited to hear from Elder Perry talking about our ancestors in the Sanpete county. I was like, I know that area so well!
Welp, this past week was a hard working and wonderful one. I have never been so tired and never felt like there was more to do in my entire life. I only have time to give you a synopsis of our busiest day, Thursday. That is the day we go out to Stralsund. So, to answer your question, yes we did end up meeting Bob. We taught him about baptism and when we challenged him he sadly said no and that he has already been baptized even though he believes in the Book of Mormon. Then, my companion asked him what he knew about Joseph Smith and he said he didn't know anything. Of course he doesn't want to get baptized when he doesn't even understand that through Joseph Smith we have the full authority to be baptized! We are going to explain more about it next time. Then, we biked over to the train station and made sure most of our appointments were ready for us. They were. So, we had our first appointment with this guy named Daniel who just decided to come back to church after being inactive for a few years. We think he is a little crazy. He gave us chairs to sit on, then sat on a waterbottle with the water flowing all over the floor. Then, his mom came home and just started yelling at him and how he makes the place all messy. The whole time he is gently telling her how she is a sinner and since she is not a member of the true church she is going to hell. It was really awkward. Then, he gave me his tithing! He wouldn't let me give it back to him! I do NOT have the authority to take it, but he said the missionaries used to take it all the time... We promised ourselves we would never go back there. Then, we had made out an appointment the week before with a man named Kaya but he didn't really speak german and he didn't speak english, so he wasn't there, but we did doors in his apartment anyway and met a really nice kid whose dad just died... Then, we went over to Herr Beitter, the man with one leg and he usually gets really distracted, but this time we decided to use a puzzle and he focused the whole time! But, he doesn't want to get baptized, lost his book of Mormon, won't pray the way we do, and has the Jehova's Witnesses over all the time, so we are probably going to "Tchuss" (Goodbye) him.
Then, we went over to a couple of members' house and they gave us lunch! My first real German sauerkraut. It is boiled cabbage. What's the point? But, it really wasn't that bad! And potatoes and meat. Then, they have a little spoon above the plate called the "Kleiner Prophet" which is the small prophet because it is prophecying that you will get dessert. It was amazing and I never wanted to eat again. But, I just love these members, they are hilarious and call me "Tina." (Just in case you don't get the reference, it is from Tina Turner) They said that they heard of the church through a street display. The man, Bruder Koch, said that the first time he just walked by without a second thought, then they had another street display and he was curious. So, he met the missionaries and got some lessons and not too long later, was baptized! He had also been a big drinker before the church. His wife got baptized a few months later. Now, they are temple workers. Amazing!
Then, we went to Jirke's and last time teaching him was a complete mess, but this time was way way better. We went over the second lesson again and he is still trying to pray about the truth. He also asked us why he would want to get baptized if he knows that his family won't make it to the Celestial Kingdom. Will you pray for him? Thanks. Then, we met up with Kay (like our cousin's baby) at the train station and didn't have much time and he was unwilling to pray, so we only got a couple of principles out before he had to leave. It was really hard, we have no where to go in Stralsund to teach so we did it at a bus stop. Not very spiritual. But, he wants to meet with us again, so we are hopefully going to bring him to the Koch's! Then, we went to Udo, or so we thought. We got on a bus that said the bus stop, but then ended up literally in the middle of no where. The bus parking place for the night... So, my comp asked the bus driver what we could do and he said he would help us out. We were like, how? Then, he pulled up in his car and told us to get in. Boy, was I scared. Little did I know it is also way against the rules. But, we got in and he showed us pictures of his grandson and his dog and drove us right to Udo's apartment! Sadly, we were a half an hour late and Udo was not there. And he ended up calling us back that night at 2 in the morning. We didn't wake up though.... Then, we went to Frau Pahl's and she had made us a little dinner. She is the cutest lady ever and I am amazed to be able to finally understand the words she is saying especially compared to my first week there! I gave her my german copy of "Preach My Gospel" and she just loved it. I am so glad I gave it to her. She also raised up a concern as to why she has been investigating the church for 10 years, knows everything is true and won't join, she never got married and asked about people who aren't married and going to the Celestial Kingdom. Little does she know there is hope! So, through all that, we missed our train and had to catch one at 9:30PM so we talked to people outside the train station and made some appointments out! So, that was our busy day. I hope I didn't bore you too much with all of it! But, things are really going well and I am enjoying being a part of the teaching now. What a difference it makes when you can contribute!
Tell Nana I say hi and that I love her! I think that is all the time I have and all of the energy in my fingers is gone. But, I wanted to let you know that winter has finally come. Okay, it hasn't snowed yet, but the rain isn't very much fun with flats and tights. I was soaked the other day, so the point of the story is I went with Fränze today and got boots. Good german boots. Are you ready for the price?
€30. Not too bad I'd say. And they are waterproof. I felt good about it because I had a german by my side the whole time helping me. Anyway, that is most of the news of this past week!
Lots of Liebe, Sister Turner
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Email to Katie 9/29/09
My dear sweet twin,
Welp, thanks for TWO e-mails! I love the updates on the family--and what you are doing! You are sooo involved in the church! You are such a good stay at home mom!
Um, when did you get so creative with object lessons? And, did you know that object lessons could totally help me? I am so going to use some of those ideas, we taught this guy on Thursday and he did not understand our teaching at all, so we thought maybe we'd bring a primary book next time and teach him very very slowly. Well, we actually decided that with our progressing investigators we are going to meet three times a week for thirty minutes instead of having lessons that take forever because even I get bored!
It was kind of scary, after Sister Shallenberger left, I got Sister Pratt and had to explain everything about the program and our investigators, I am so afraid of forgetting someone or not doing everything possible. I was feeling like I wasn't a good enough missionary yesterday, probably because we have two churches to go to and it is such a waste of our day and then I wonder if I work too hard that I will get burned out like my last companion. Thanks so much for the prayers, I was praying super hard for a hard working companion and I actually got one! I am so surprised and she kept thanking me for being so willing to work so hard. Of course! That is what I am here to do! But, we didn't really have any investigators and so we have done tons of doors this past week. I am happy to report that we actually got a few appointments! We've done approximately ten hours of doors this week... Oh, man... But, my companion is so good about every rule, it's crazy ridiculous. And, I actually experienced a miracle that started on Tuesday, the day she was transferred in. I actually understand about 90% of the conversation around me and can respond and people understand the words that are coming out of my mouth! Of course it's not perfect, but it is way better than it was before. I actually call people on the phone too! I don't know if you've ever thought about it, but that is a really hard thing to do when you don't know the language!
I am so glad you like the shirt! I got it from H&M, which is a pretty popular store here, we have some in America, but they aren't as good. I hope you like the name tag, I wanted to get you something else, but I didn't know what... And, thanks for the package, I haven't recieved it yet, but I really am so grateful. It is interesting, because when I was in Russia no one sent me anything, but now serving a mission I have so much support. Everyone knows that serving a mission is the best thing in the world.
I did not watch the Relief Society Broadcast, they are showing it next Saturday and my companion and I are deciding what we should do, if we go, we have to take a train to Neubrandenberg which is about an hour and a half to get there, and it would be a big waste of our time. Sadly. But, if we did go I don't think it would be frowned upon, I just think we are going to stay in Greifswald because we really need to build up the program. Oh, and I had an interview with my mission president and of course as usual, he just starts jumping into what he wants to tell me and starts to cry about how good of a missionary I will become with Sister Pratt and how much this transfer is going to change my mission and my life. Then, he told me no one stays in their first area forever. I am pretty sure I am leaving Greifswald next transfer which will be November 3rd, right after my six month mark. Yep. It has been 5 months tomorrow. That is seriously crazy. Sister Thompson sounds a lot like President Eyrings new wife. She was going to marry this guy, then decided not to (after General Conference and claimed that every talk was about not getting married. Then listened to it later and she thought she was crazy!). So, she was single for a really long time, then finally married the guy and they got divorced and she was single again and worked for the General Authorities, met President Eyring and he asked her on a date and she said no! She assumed that since she had been divorced before he wouldn't have interest in her after that! Then, he asked her again (after some time because he was a little hurt) and after a while they got married. It was fun to hear that talk in the MTC.
Anyway, so we have had quite a few miracles this week. So, there is this guy named Bob who is from Togo, Africa and is always walking around town. And, in our mission we do this thing called Ballards and each missionary needs to talk to ten extra people a day outside of finding time (like when we are walking down the street, or going between apartments, etc) and when we make out an appointment that is especially good. That is how we get Three Ballards (named after Elder Ballard of course). So, the third is called a "Ballard's Plus" and the missionaries used to cheat the system and always make an appointment with Bob and then he would never meet them at the church. They always knew he would fall out on them so, at then end of the day when they needed their third Ballard they would go find him. Finally one of my favorite missionaries that I have gone on an exchange with like four times Sister Nelsen, decided to get his phone number and address so they had a couple of lessons and then he was hard to get a hold of. So, I met him and Sister Shallenberger and I taught him a third lesson and challenged him to baptism and he didn't understand why he needed to get baptized again. So, time passed by and he spoke on the phone with a french Sister and she said that he has a wonderful testimony of the Book of Mormon, we need to baptize him! Then, lots of time passed and we didn't see him, then on Thursday morning Sister Pratt and I were coming back from an appointment that fell out and there he was walking! So, we made an appointment with him and he called a few hours later and changed it. Then, we realized that it was the same time as english class! So, we were going to go by on him and see if we could change the appointment and I took a wierd way to get there because I forgot the map and we actually ran into him on the way! He was out walking again! So, we changed the appointment. Then, yesterday, we had an appointment with someone at the church and we were a little late due to a walk-in appointment during doors. And, there was Bob, again! So, he told us he actually had to work when we made our appointment so we had to change it again. Since our other appointment fell out, we invited Bob to come into the church with us and watch a short film called, "Finding Happiness." He said yes and we watched it, then testified a bit, then I talked to him about the picture of the Prophet and President Eyring and President Uchtdorf. Then, I invited him to come to General Conference with us on Sunday, but he has to work. But, he was really excited for the opportunity to hear from a living prophet, so he might come on Saturday! I was so so amazed and I hope that Bob sees that God keeps delivering him to us and that he will understand the need to get rebaptized into our church.
We also had an appointment with a guy named Serge today. Yes, on P-Day. And, he actually showed up! We talked to him mostly about the first lesson, he is a previous investigator and we talked about baptism and hopefully and we will speak more about it at our next appointment. He believes everything we do, so please pray that he will listen to our message and accept it!
Well, I wrote to you for way too long and still need to write Mom and Dad, but I love love love you!
Sister Turner
Welp, thanks for TWO e-mails! I love the updates on the family--and what you are doing! You are sooo involved in the church! You are such a good stay at home mom!
Um, when did you get so creative with object lessons? And, did you know that object lessons could totally help me? I am so going to use some of those ideas, we taught this guy on Thursday and he did not understand our teaching at all, so we thought maybe we'd bring a primary book next time and teach him very very slowly. Well, we actually decided that with our progressing investigators we are going to meet three times a week for thirty minutes instead of having lessons that take forever because even I get bored!
It was kind of scary, after Sister Shallenberger left, I got Sister Pratt and had to explain everything about the program and our investigators, I am so afraid of forgetting someone or not doing everything possible. I was feeling like I wasn't a good enough missionary yesterday, probably because we have two churches to go to and it is such a waste of our day and then I wonder if I work too hard that I will get burned out like my last companion. Thanks so much for the prayers, I was praying super hard for a hard working companion and I actually got one! I am so surprised and she kept thanking me for being so willing to work so hard. Of course! That is what I am here to do! But, we didn't really have any investigators and so we have done tons of doors this past week. I am happy to report that we actually got a few appointments! We've done approximately ten hours of doors this week... Oh, man... But, my companion is so good about every rule, it's crazy ridiculous. And, I actually experienced a miracle that started on Tuesday, the day she was transferred in. I actually understand about 90% of the conversation around me and can respond and people understand the words that are coming out of my mouth! Of course it's not perfect, but it is way better than it was before. I actually call people on the phone too! I don't know if you've ever thought about it, but that is a really hard thing to do when you don't know the language!
I am so glad you like the shirt! I got it from H&M, which is a pretty popular store here, we have some in America, but they aren't as good. I hope you like the name tag, I wanted to get you something else, but I didn't know what... And, thanks for the package, I haven't recieved it yet, but I really am so grateful. It is interesting, because when I was in Russia no one sent me anything, but now serving a mission I have so much support. Everyone knows that serving a mission is the best thing in the world.
I did not watch the Relief Society Broadcast, they are showing it next Saturday and my companion and I are deciding what we should do, if we go, we have to take a train to Neubrandenberg which is about an hour and a half to get there, and it would be a big waste of our time. Sadly. But, if we did go I don't think it would be frowned upon, I just think we are going to stay in Greifswald because we really need to build up the program. Oh, and I had an interview with my mission president and of course as usual, he just starts jumping into what he wants to tell me and starts to cry about how good of a missionary I will become with Sister Pratt and how much this transfer is going to change my mission and my life. Then, he told me no one stays in their first area forever. I am pretty sure I am leaving Greifswald next transfer which will be November 3rd, right after my six month mark. Yep. It has been 5 months tomorrow. That is seriously crazy. Sister Thompson sounds a lot like President Eyrings new wife. She was going to marry this guy, then decided not to (after General Conference and claimed that every talk was about not getting married. Then listened to it later and she thought she was crazy!). So, she was single for a really long time, then finally married the guy and they got divorced and she was single again and worked for the General Authorities, met President Eyring and he asked her on a date and she said no! She assumed that since she had been divorced before he wouldn't have interest in her after that! Then, he asked her again (after some time because he was a little hurt) and after a while they got married. It was fun to hear that talk in the MTC.
Anyway, so we have had quite a few miracles this week. So, there is this guy named Bob who is from Togo, Africa and is always walking around town. And, in our mission we do this thing called Ballards and each missionary needs to talk to ten extra people a day outside of finding time (like when we are walking down the street, or going between apartments, etc) and when we make out an appointment that is especially good. That is how we get Three Ballards (named after Elder Ballard of course). So, the third is called a "Ballard's Plus" and the missionaries used to cheat the system and always make an appointment with Bob and then he would never meet them at the church. They always knew he would fall out on them so, at then end of the day when they needed their third Ballard they would go find him. Finally one of my favorite missionaries that I have gone on an exchange with like four times Sister Nelsen, decided to get his phone number and address so they had a couple of lessons and then he was hard to get a hold of. So, I met him and Sister Shallenberger and I taught him a third lesson and challenged him to baptism and he didn't understand why he needed to get baptized again. So, time passed by and he spoke on the phone with a french Sister and she said that he has a wonderful testimony of the Book of Mormon, we need to baptize him! Then, lots of time passed and we didn't see him, then on Thursday morning Sister Pratt and I were coming back from an appointment that fell out and there he was walking! So, we made an appointment with him and he called a few hours later and changed it. Then, we realized that it was the same time as english class! So, we were going to go by on him and see if we could change the appointment and I took a wierd way to get there because I forgot the map and we actually ran into him on the way! He was out walking again! So, we changed the appointment. Then, yesterday, we had an appointment with someone at the church and we were a little late due to a walk-in appointment during doors. And, there was Bob, again! So, he told us he actually had to work when we made our appointment so we had to change it again. Since our other appointment fell out, we invited Bob to come into the church with us and watch a short film called, "Finding Happiness." He said yes and we watched it, then testified a bit, then I talked to him about the picture of the Prophet and President Eyring and President Uchtdorf. Then, I invited him to come to General Conference with us on Sunday, but he has to work. But, he was really excited for the opportunity to hear from a living prophet, so he might come on Saturday! I was so so amazed and I hope that Bob sees that God keeps delivering him to us and that he will understand the need to get rebaptized into our church.
We also had an appointment with a guy named Serge today. Yes, on P-Day. And, he actually showed up! We talked to him mostly about the first lesson, he is a previous investigator and we talked about baptism and hopefully and we will speak more about it at our next appointment. He believes everything we do, so please pray that he will listen to our message and accept it!
Well, I wrote to you for way too long and still need to write Mom and Dad, but I love love love you!
Sister Turner
September 28, 2009
Hey Mamacita!
Oh, and yes I did know that the package was from all those people. It made me smile so much. I am so grateful for all of the support! And I felt better about that because it was so expensive. The mail people put the price right there in front of your face to make you feel guilty... Just to let you know I will probably leave Greifswald next transfer. During my interview with President he said, "You know you don't stay in your golden city forever, right?" (Remember gold is the new green)
This past week with my new companion blew the last two transfers out of the water! We did pretty much 10 hours of doors. Since we have no investigators, that is what we have decided to do--it is way more fun than stopping people on the street, but don't worry, we do that too. I don't have too much time, I spent way too long writing Katie, but will you just ask her for the stories of Bob and Serge? They are so good, but they take time to type... And I am lazy! I am so sorry.
I was actually just thinking about Uncle Terry this morning. Will you tell him I say hello and that I love him? And, I am looking forward to skiing wtih him when I get home! Oh, and thanks for the update on the Biggest Loser! I love to hear about it! And, surprisingly I never miss the TV or music like I thought I would. I thought it would be so hard, but it is easy. Probably because it isn't even an option.
This part of the letter is for Dad! Sorry I haven't been writing letters, well to you and Mom, I hope you aren't expecting one, with the new transfer and actual hard work it takes our whole time at night to plan. But, we are getting more efficient and soon I will sit down and write you a good decent letter. Thanks for taking care of my bank card, I feel horrible that I don't remember my pin number. I had just used that card like a week before I left and now I have no idea what the number was....
Well, you asked about the language for me... Actually, the language is coming along! I feel like a wall was broken down and all of a sudden I understand what people are saying to me AND people are understanding what I am saying to them. It used to be so confusing. That is the coolest miracle of all! It actually happened like in "The Best Two Years." My trainer left and then I could talk to people.
Oh, and my new companion and I go running every morning! I made excuses to not go running because of being on a bike and now I do both! She wants to wake up earlier than 6:30 and go running together! I told her we could get up earlier in five minute increments. Little by little I will run more and hopefully lose some of my german weight... Most sisters gain weight on the mission... Yucky.
The next part of the message is for the latest birthday boy. Man. Ick. Wierd. He is so Old. Joseph really is an amazing brother and he has such a strong testimony, it comes through so strong in my e-mails. He is so inspirational and has helped me more than I could ever have thought possible as a missionary. I admire him so much, look forward to seeing him someday and for eternity! His smile and laugh make everyone around him happy.
The next part is for Christian! Tell him thanks so much for the birthday package. I haven't recieved it yet, but I can guess the contents. Hm. Probably birthday cake and frosting! Ha, just kidding. Or maybe not. And, I got the letter! I loved it so much. I hope they get a house. Where are they looking? That is crazy, a house. The next thing that comes is a baby. Oh, dear. I am going to miss a birth. Well, I heard about one girl missing five births so I guess one isn't so bad. And, I am not in Berlin, I am north of it, so I haven't experienced the "eclectic" part of Germany, just the sad stories of the old people. Oh, I actually heard a story of one of our members in Wolgast. He worked on the border of the Polish and German border and couldn't bear the thought of killing people. So, he would miss on purpose. Then, as an officer he would order his men to miss people crossing the border too! Then, after a while he started helping people get out! So, the police found out and put him in a torture room. They exposed him to high amounts of radiation, and put him in total darkness for longer than 40 days. One day he got a letter out and it made it to his family, his sister put up a petition and they released him, but made him sign documents saying he couldn't repeat his story. Well, he did tell the story, but no one believed him. Finally after the wall fell an American came and put his story out across the world, and people finally believed what he had been saying for years. Crazy, huh?! Anyway, I really need to go! But, I love you and hope you have a wonderful week! Welp, I hope you all have a wonderful week! I love you all so much! Love Sister Turner
Oh, and yes I did know that the package was from all those people. It made me smile so much. I am so grateful for all of the support! And I felt better about that because it was so expensive. The mail people put the price right there in front of your face to make you feel guilty... Just to let you know I will probably leave Greifswald next transfer. During my interview with President he said, "You know you don't stay in your golden city forever, right?" (Remember gold is the new green)
This past week with my new companion blew the last two transfers out of the water! We did pretty much 10 hours of doors. Since we have no investigators, that is what we have decided to do--it is way more fun than stopping people on the street, but don't worry, we do that too. I don't have too much time, I spent way too long writing Katie, but will you just ask her for the stories of Bob and Serge? They are so good, but they take time to type... And I am lazy! I am so sorry.
I was actually just thinking about Uncle Terry this morning. Will you tell him I say hello and that I love him? And, I am looking forward to skiing wtih him when I get home! Oh, and thanks for the update on the Biggest Loser! I love to hear about it! And, surprisingly I never miss the TV or music like I thought I would. I thought it would be so hard, but it is easy. Probably because it isn't even an option.
This part of the letter is for Dad! Sorry I haven't been writing letters, well to you and Mom, I hope you aren't expecting one, with the new transfer and actual hard work it takes our whole time at night to plan. But, we are getting more efficient and soon I will sit down and write you a good decent letter. Thanks for taking care of my bank card, I feel horrible that I don't remember my pin number. I had just used that card like a week before I left and now I have no idea what the number was....
Well, you asked about the language for me... Actually, the language is coming along! I feel like a wall was broken down and all of a sudden I understand what people are saying to me AND people are understanding what I am saying to them. It used to be so confusing. That is the coolest miracle of all! It actually happened like in "The Best Two Years." My trainer left and then I could talk to people.
Oh, and my new companion and I go running every morning! I made excuses to not go running because of being on a bike and now I do both! She wants to wake up earlier than 6:30 and go running together! I told her we could get up earlier in five minute increments. Little by little I will run more and hopefully lose some of my german weight... Most sisters gain weight on the mission... Yucky.
The next part of the message is for the latest birthday boy. Man. Ick. Wierd. He is so Old. Joseph really is an amazing brother and he has such a strong testimony, it comes through so strong in my e-mails. He is so inspirational and has helped me more than I could ever have thought possible as a missionary. I admire him so much, look forward to seeing him someday and for eternity! His smile and laugh make everyone around him happy.
The next part is for Christian! Tell him thanks so much for the birthday package. I haven't recieved it yet, but I can guess the contents. Hm. Probably birthday cake and frosting! Ha, just kidding. Or maybe not. And, I got the letter! I loved it so much. I hope they get a house. Where are they looking? That is crazy, a house. The next thing that comes is a baby. Oh, dear. I am going to miss a birth. Well, I heard about one girl missing five births so I guess one isn't so bad. And, I am not in Berlin, I am north of it, so I haven't experienced the "eclectic" part of Germany, just the sad stories of the old people. Oh, I actually heard a story of one of our members in Wolgast. He worked on the border of the Polish and German border and couldn't bear the thought of killing people. So, he would miss on purpose. Then, as an officer he would order his men to miss people crossing the border too! Then, after a while he started helping people get out! So, the police found out and put him in a torture room. They exposed him to high amounts of radiation, and put him in total darkness for longer than 40 days. One day he got a letter out and it made it to his family, his sister put up a petition and they released him, but made him sign documents saying he couldn't repeat his story. Well, he did tell the story, but no one believed him. Finally after the wall fell an American came and put his story out across the world, and people finally believed what he had been saying for years. Crazy, huh?! Anyway, I really need to go! But, I love you and hope you have a wonderful week! Welp, I hope you all have a wonderful week! I love you all so much! Love Sister Turner
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
I'm Staying In Greifswald!
Hey Mom!
What are you doing up at 3 in the morning? You might be an insomniac.
I am so happy that you are subbing again. I know you do well with it, I remember everyone liking you in middle school. Now, that I think about it, how many kids get an opportunity to see their mom at school? Crazy.
Well, to answer a few of your questions--we just had transfer calls and I am staying here in Greifswald and I am getting a new companion. Her name is Sister Pratt and she is from Idaho. I hear she is crazy good about the rules. She trained Sister Hung (my MTC companion) in Berlin. Guess what is happening to my trainer? She is going to Berlin to serve with Sister Hung! Sister Pratt and Sister Shallenberger are just switching places! It is crazy because now I have to teach Sister Pratt about our program and hopefully remember how to get around Greifswald. I have to remember English class on Tuesdays, Stralsund day, Wolgast day, and all of our investigators/contacts... This is going to be fun!
Bah, I was just thinking about Biggest Loser the other day and how it was going to start soon. Dan is back?! That is awesome, I was so sad for him because of his friend who didn't really seem interested in making such a life change. Bob and Jillian are working together? How does that work?
Thanks for the idea about English class, I'll see what I can do with my new companion.
Oh, my gosh, thanks for the story from Pearl? I can't remember her name, but the Earl and Pearl thing I first of all totally forgot about, and second it reminded me of Sweet Home Alabama--Reese Witherspoon's parents are totally named Earl and Pearl to show off how hickish they are! But, we have an ancestor that got a blessing from Joseph Smith?! That is so cool! Now, I have a story to tell some ward members.
Welp, as far as the mission work this past week we have been working a lot with old investigators in our area book. There aren't too many in Greifswald, but we have two success stories in Stralsund and Wolgast. The guy in Stralsund is named Jirke (Said Yurka) and he has two kittens and lives by himself. He is around 24 and has beautiful European hair. I might be lying about the hair... It is dark brown with blond highlights and spiked except for the front which is combed into bangs... So, he said he is searching for the truth and was meeting with missionaries and going to church, but then lost contact. So, we went back and taught him a second and challenged him to pray. I hope he sincerely prays to find out the truth. The second person is Madeline who is super rich because she works with taxes or something like that and has a beautiful home technically in Usedom-a huge vacation spot for germans. She doesn't like smoking (very rare) and believes exactly how the church believes, so now we need to teach her and get her to pray and find out the truth. As far as Sandy is concerned, she is moving down to Berlin and will see Sister Shallenberger, so hopefully we can get her confirmed and going to church!
Oh, mom, can you forward these e-mails to Aunt Deanne? She has been begging for one for a few weeks now. She would love to just hear about the mission work, life, and fun!
Next, Thanks for the package! I am currently wearing the pants you sent--you were totally inspired, they fit perfectly. I also got Grandma and Grandpa Wright's package, will you tell them I got it and I say thanks! They gave me this really cool wooden puzzle of the Plan of Salvation-in German, so I want to use it with new converts when we have to reteach them the lessons. And, I was wondering about the packages, I have two theories, either you told them what you were getting and they got ideas from you, or you all are inspired and wanted to show family unity. This is why: I got funfetti cake and chocolate frosting and candles, gummi bears, goldfish, and a cardigan from target from Aunt Deanne, Aunt Debbie, and Grandma Turner; then gummi bears from Grandma Wright; then, i got chocolate cake and funfetti frosting, goldfish, and a shirt and pants from target from you. Do you see the pattern? I thought it was awesome! I love the green shirt, it looks really good on! I think you and Aunt Deanne sent your package on the same day, but with the crazy mail system, it came later.
Anyway, I think that is literally everything I wanted to write to you about this week.
I will have to update you more next week when I have a new companion! Crazy! Welp, I love you!
Love Sister Turner
What are you doing up at 3 in the morning? You might be an insomniac.
I am so happy that you are subbing again. I know you do well with it, I remember everyone liking you in middle school. Now, that I think about it, how many kids get an opportunity to see their mom at school? Crazy.
Well, to answer a few of your questions--we just had transfer calls and I am staying here in Greifswald and I am getting a new companion. Her name is Sister Pratt and she is from Idaho. I hear she is crazy good about the rules. She trained Sister Hung (my MTC companion) in Berlin. Guess what is happening to my trainer? She is going to Berlin to serve with Sister Hung! Sister Pratt and Sister Shallenberger are just switching places! It is crazy because now I have to teach Sister Pratt about our program and hopefully remember how to get around Greifswald. I have to remember English class on Tuesdays, Stralsund day, Wolgast day, and all of our investigators/contacts... This is going to be fun!
Bah, I was just thinking about Biggest Loser the other day and how it was going to start soon. Dan is back?! That is awesome, I was so sad for him because of his friend who didn't really seem interested in making such a life change. Bob and Jillian are working together? How does that work?
Thanks for the idea about English class, I'll see what I can do with my new companion.
Oh, my gosh, thanks for the story from Pearl? I can't remember her name, but the Earl and Pearl thing I first of all totally forgot about, and second it reminded me of Sweet Home Alabama--Reese Witherspoon's parents are totally named Earl and Pearl to show off how hickish they are! But, we have an ancestor that got a blessing from Joseph Smith?! That is so cool! Now, I have a story to tell some ward members.
Welp, as far as the mission work this past week we have been working a lot with old investigators in our area book. There aren't too many in Greifswald, but we have two success stories in Stralsund and Wolgast. The guy in Stralsund is named Jirke (Said Yurka) and he has two kittens and lives by himself. He is around 24 and has beautiful European hair. I might be lying about the hair... It is dark brown with blond highlights and spiked except for the front which is combed into bangs... So, he said he is searching for the truth and was meeting with missionaries and going to church, but then lost contact. So, we went back and taught him a second and challenged him to pray. I hope he sincerely prays to find out the truth. The second person is Madeline who is super rich because she works with taxes or something like that and has a beautiful home technically in Usedom-a huge vacation spot for germans. She doesn't like smoking (very rare) and believes exactly how the church believes, so now we need to teach her and get her to pray and find out the truth. As far as Sandy is concerned, she is moving down to Berlin and will see Sister Shallenberger, so hopefully we can get her confirmed and going to church!
Oh, mom, can you forward these e-mails to Aunt Deanne? She has been begging for one for a few weeks now. She would love to just hear about the mission work, life, and fun!
Next, Thanks for the package! I am currently wearing the pants you sent--you were totally inspired, they fit perfectly. I also got Grandma and Grandpa Wright's package, will you tell them I got it and I say thanks! They gave me this really cool wooden puzzle of the Plan of Salvation-in German, so I want to use it with new converts when we have to reteach them the lessons. And, I was wondering about the packages, I have two theories, either you told them what you were getting and they got ideas from you, or you all are inspired and wanted to show family unity. This is why: I got funfetti cake and chocolate frosting and candles, gummi bears, goldfish, and a cardigan from target from Aunt Deanne, Aunt Debbie, and Grandma Turner; then gummi bears from Grandma Wright; then, i got chocolate cake and funfetti frosting, goldfish, and a shirt and pants from target from you. Do you see the pattern? I thought it was awesome! I love the green shirt, it looks really good on! I think you and Aunt Deanne sent your package on the same day, but with the crazy mail system, it came later.
Anyway, I think that is literally everything I wanted to write to you about this week.
I will have to update you more next week when I have a new companion! Crazy! Welp, I love you!
Love Sister Turner
Monday, September 14, 2009
Hey!
So, this past week was my birthday--that was an amazing day. Well, I actually got a package from Aunt Deanne and crew, which was a major surprise. I think it is hilarious that they sent me Haribo gummy bears--German candy from America! And, I am pretty sure I got the perfume that Grandma always wear, which Katie and I always compliment. And, I got some cake and pjs and chap stick and lots of stuff from them. Then, on my birthday my companion made me breakfast, then we studied and then we went to the church to help move things because they are renting a second floor and needed help to get it situated. Well, lots of ward members sang to me (Happy Birsday in English, yes the `s' is there for a reason), I got flowers, cake, jam, chocolate, etc. It was so cute! I love the ward here, they are so good!
Then, we went to lunch at an Indian food restaurant and my companion paid. And it was the BEST food ever. The Elders came with and we just had a good time! Then, we did missionary work, nothing too special happened, then we had institute and both of our appointments sadly fell out... But, Conrad made me a couple of CDs because we have been starving for music (other than the ONE mo-tab CD and an artist called Bebo). Then, after planning at 9:30 Elder Klein from the MTC called and wished me a happy birthday and had committed two other Elders from the MTC to call me! So, the Sisters in Rostock called and sang to me, then Elder Dean called, then I got a text from the Elders in my district saying, "Sister Turner is something outside your window?" And, they had gotten me a card and a Greifswald flag and little stuffed Dragon. Then, Sister Hung called and when we were done it was 10:30 time to go to bed. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday.
Other than that, we have just been working. Well, actually on Thursday my companion got sick and after 14 years of staying strong, she threw up 10 times. Yucky. Then, at ZoKo on Friday she threw up some more. I feel so bad, and I don't know how to help. But, I think she is doing better now, so that's good. After ZoKo we had a Tausch (exchange) and I went to Rostock. There is a... umm... how do we call it? Three some? There are three sisters together there and it was fun to see how they do contacting. It is a little different because one person has to keep walking so it doesn't make the person feel attacked by us missionaries. That is fun, because I love to talk to people. That is how we get our "Ballards." So, you can earn up to three a day, and this is one thing that makes our mission different than all the other missions. Each companion has to talk to 10 people and then, the third one is the hardest, making a set appointment with someone new, who has never been taught before. But, it is a good way to inspire us to talk to people. Oh, and after ZoKo as we were walking to the train station my companion was just on fire and talking to everyone. It was so inspirational, I loved it!
Okay, so I wrote Fiori's birthday in my planner as the 12th, not the 13th, whoops... And, I think I forgot to wish her a happy birthday, but I was totally meaning to, but we didn't have much time last week so I probably forgot. Sounds like it was a fun day though.
Oh, and along with fires--I heard California was on fire a while ago, where? Everyone would say, oh, your from California? There is a fire there! Then I'd ask where and they would have no idea.
Okay, we do have a schedule for our cities. So, we are normally in Greifswald, but Thursdays we go to Stralsund and Friday's we go to Wolgast. The Wolgast Gemeinde is just struggling for investigators and always asking for more. It is hard when you only have one day a week there, but one investigator asked us if we could meet again. And, we got another investigator by him contacting us. Crazy! He lives in Grimmen, near Stralsund and said he is a "Satanist" looking for a better religion. My companion met him on Friday when I was in Rostock, but apparently he is really cool and almost believes like we do, just differently. See, the word "Satanist" kind of scared us, but I guess when you go back to the old meaning it means Earth, so he's basically a hippy and doesn't like killing animals or bugs. And, he said that they believe strongly in hate because without hating someone you wouldn't know love towards someone--that my friend is a second lesson, just a little different.
Oh, and last week we had 6 people at english class! My last 10 weeks were us struggling to find more. We had 1 lady, Angelica, who took us out for ice cream and that was it. Then, we got 1 more person, now the little 15 year old girl who can't get baptized is coming and she brought a member and they brought a friend! Then, we had David who is a less active! It was a good class too. We played Mad Libs and they made up verbs and adjectives then plugged it into the story. It worked out really well and everyone was laughing and having a good time! One of the sentences (created by the 15 year old girls) was, "I need to fix my beautiful guy." It was so good!
So, I think that is all! Thanks for like a bajillion e-mails and hopefully I will recieve my package(s) soon. I guess Grandma Wright said she is sending a package and Maya told me she is too!Well, I better get going, but I LOVE YOU! Have a fantastic week!
Love Sister Turner
So, this past week was my birthday--that was an amazing day. Well, I actually got a package from Aunt Deanne and crew, which was a major surprise. I think it is hilarious that they sent me Haribo gummy bears--German candy from America! And, I am pretty sure I got the perfume that Grandma always wear, which Katie and I always compliment. And, I got some cake and pjs and chap stick and lots of stuff from them. Then, on my birthday my companion made me breakfast, then we studied and then we went to the church to help move things because they are renting a second floor and needed help to get it situated. Well, lots of ward members sang to me (Happy Birsday in English, yes the `s' is there for a reason), I got flowers, cake, jam, chocolate, etc. It was so cute! I love the ward here, they are so good!
Then, we went to lunch at an Indian food restaurant and my companion paid. And it was the BEST food ever. The Elders came with and we just had a good time! Then, we did missionary work, nothing too special happened, then we had institute and both of our appointments sadly fell out... But, Conrad made me a couple of CDs because we have been starving for music (other than the ONE mo-tab CD and an artist called Bebo). Then, after planning at 9:30 Elder Klein from the MTC called and wished me a happy birthday and had committed two other Elders from the MTC to call me! So, the Sisters in Rostock called and sang to me, then Elder Dean called, then I got a text from the Elders in my district saying, "Sister Turner is something outside your window?" And, they had gotten me a card and a Greifswald flag and little stuffed Dragon. Then, Sister Hung called and when we were done it was 10:30 time to go to bed. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday.
Other than that, we have just been working. Well, actually on Thursday my companion got sick and after 14 years of staying strong, she threw up 10 times. Yucky. Then, at ZoKo on Friday she threw up some more. I feel so bad, and I don't know how to help. But, I think she is doing better now, so that's good. After ZoKo we had a Tausch (exchange) and I went to Rostock. There is a... umm... how do we call it? Three some? There are three sisters together there and it was fun to see how they do contacting. It is a little different because one person has to keep walking so it doesn't make the person feel attacked by us missionaries. That is fun, because I love to talk to people. That is how we get our "Ballards." So, you can earn up to three a day, and this is one thing that makes our mission different than all the other missions. Each companion has to talk to 10 people and then, the third one is the hardest, making a set appointment with someone new, who has never been taught before. But, it is a good way to inspire us to talk to people. Oh, and after ZoKo as we were walking to the train station my companion was just on fire and talking to everyone. It was so inspirational, I loved it!
Okay, so I wrote Fiori's birthday in my planner as the 12th, not the 13th, whoops... And, I think I forgot to wish her a happy birthday, but I was totally meaning to, but we didn't have much time last week so I probably forgot. Sounds like it was a fun day though.
Oh, and along with fires--I heard California was on fire a while ago, where? Everyone would say, oh, your from California? There is a fire there! Then I'd ask where and they would have no idea.
Okay, we do have a schedule for our cities. So, we are normally in Greifswald, but Thursdays we go to Stralsund and Friday's we go to Wolgast. The Wolgast Gemeinde is just struggling for investigators and always asking for more. It is hard when you only have one day a week there, but one investigator asked us if we could meet again. And, we got another investigator by him contacting us. Crazy! He lives in Grimmen, near Stralsund and said he is a "Satanist" looking for a better religion. My companion met him on Friday when I was in Rostock, but apparently he is really cool and almost believes like we do, just differently. See, the word "Satanist" kind of scared us, but I guess when you go back to the old meaning it means Earth, so he's basically a hippy and doesn't like killing animals or bugs. And, he said that they believe strongly in hate because without hating someone you wouldn't know love towards someone--that my friend is a second lesson, just a little different.
Oh, and last week we had 6 people at english class! My last 10 weeks were us struggling to find more. We had 1 lady, Angelica, who took us out for ice cream and that was it. Then, we got 1 more person, now the little 15 year old girl who can't get baptized is coming and she brought a member and they brought a friend! Then, we had David who is a less active! It was a good class too. We played Mad Libs and they made up verbs and adjectives then plugged it into the story. It worked out really well and everyone was laughing and having a good time! One of the sentences (created by the 15 year old girls) was, "I need to fix my beautiful guy." It was so good!
So, I think that is all! Thanks for like a bajillion e-mails and hopefully I will recieve my package(s) soon. I guess Grandma Wright said she is sending a package and Maya told me she is too!Well, I better get going, but I LOVE YOU! Have a fantastic week!
Love Sister Turner
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
September 7, 2009
This week I didn't get my emil in on time. At least she is getting a package and letter from us this week!
Hey,I guess this week is a busy one for both of us. I don't have much time, we went to Rügen, then to Königstuhl and saw these beautiful cliffs made of chalk. It was awesome. I want to take you there when you come.
Well, things are going pretty good here, we had some good lessons this week. So, on Wednesday we had a Straßenausstellung (street display) and a man asked me if I was kidding about my bad American accent... And on Thursday, when we were in Stralsund I started talking to a woman and she saw my name tag and ran away from me. Whoops! But, we did find a new girl and she has no background in prayer or God, but she is way interested in learning more. I hope she prays and receives an answer. Welp, it is my birthday this week and the biggest thing I've been saying is that my whole 22nd year of life will be spent here in Germany. I will be 23 years old when I get home. AAAHHHH! But, it is going to be an amazing year! I love my mission so much. I hope I've already changed and will continue to change and progress. I hope that for you too, that is the whole point of life, to continually work and be a better version of yourself. I love that! Well, I have to go! I love you!
Love Sister Turner
PS Will you give Grandpa Turner A HUGE BIRTHDAY HUG all the way from Germany?! Tell him that I love him and am thinking of him and wishing I could be there!
Hey,I guess this week is a busy one for both of us. I don't have much time, we went to Rügen, then to Königstuhl and saw these beautiful cliffs made of chalk. It was awesome. I want to take you there when you come.
Well, things are going pretty good here, we had some good lessons this week. So, on Wednesday we had a Straßenausstellung (street display) and a man asked me if I was kidding about my bad American accent... And on Thursday, when we were in Stralsund I started talking to a woman and she saw my name tag and ran away from me. Whoops! But, we did find a new girl and she has no background in prayer or God, but she is way interested in learning more. I hope she prays and receives an answer. Welp, it is my birthday this week and the biggest thing I've been saying is that my whole 22nd year of life will be spent here in Germany. I will be 23 years old when I get home. AAAHHHH! But, it is going to be an amazing year! I love my mission so much. I hope I've already changed and will continue to change and progress. I hope that for you too, that is the whole point of life, to continually work and be a better version of yourself. I love that! Well, I have to go! I love you!
Love Sister Turner
PS Will you give Grandpa Turner A HUGE BIRTHDAY HUG all the way from Germany?! Tell him that I love him and am thinking of him and wishing I could be there!
August 31, 2009
This email was mainly in response to the email I had sent her. It's kind of choppy, but she's been really busy!
Hi Mom!
That was a really good e-mail! Why did you have to say exactly what I needed to hear and make me cry in this smelly internet place called Babylon?
Oh, man Landon Pigg is going to be in a movie? Cool!
Next. What walking? My trainer and I ride bikes. And we don't really do much anyway. Last week was the best week of my mission so far. We were so busy and had so many appointments! But, I still have moleskin from earlier and my feet are surviving. Maybe in the wintertime when I get boots. Oh, and I actually will need a jacket soon.
All of a sudden it is FREEZING here! No warning or anything! Oh, and my trainer won't get a package for Christmas-she'll be home a few days before it. It's all she talks about.
Tell Jace and A and Fiori I say hi. That is so cool about him to go back to school and being all dilligent and stuff. That is something I strive to have.
Christian is still alive? I wrote him an e-mail and he still hasn't written back. Tell him I love him and that I am so proud of him. Tell Karley I say hi and I wear "our shirt" all the time.
Joseph told me he loved his month with you. Don't worry, these things don't make me homesick. At least not yet. To be quite honest, I hardly think about home. I hope that makes you proud, but it really isn't a big distraction, but I do look forward to e-mails on Mondays.
Actually, yes Sandy did get baptized this week. It was so beautiful, it was a crazy day that I don't want to relate, but two hours late she was baptized. Next step is to get her to church! But, we did finally get her in the water and that was so beautiful. And we worked a lot with inactive members that have been offended over the silliest of things and don't come to church anymore.
Love Sister Turner
Hi Mom!
That was a really good e-mail! Why did you have to say exactly what I needed to hear and make me cry in this smelly internet place called Babylon?
Oh, man Landon Pigg is going to be in a movie? Cool!
Next. What walking? My trainer and I ride bikes. And we don't really do much anyway. Last week was the best week of my mission so far. We were so busy and had so many appointments! But, I still have moleskin from earlier and my feet are surviving. Maybe in the wintertime when I get boots. Oh, and I actually will need a jacket soon.
All of a sudden it is FREEZING here! No warning or anything! Oh, and my trainer won't get a package for Christmas-she'll be home a few days before it. It's all she talks about.
Tell Jace and A and Fiori I say hi. That is so cool about him to go back to school and being all dilligent and stuff. That is something I strive to have.
Christian is still alive? I wrote him an e-mail and he still hasn't written back. Tell him I love him and that I am so proud of him. Tell Karley I say hi and I wear "our shirt" all the time.
Joseph told me he loved his month with you. Don't worry, these things don't make me homesick. At least not yet. To be quite honest, I hardly think about home. I hope that makes you proud, but it really isn't a big distraction, but I do look forward to e-mails on Mondays.
Actually, yes Sandy did get baptized this week. It was so beautiful, it was a crazy day that I don't want to relate, but two hours late she was baptized. Next step is to get her to church! But, we did finally get her in the water and that was so beautiful. And we worked a lot with inactive members that have been offended over the silliest of things and don't come to church anymore.
Love Sister Turner
Monday, August 24, 2009
Hey Mom!
Thanks for forwarding Dad's talk, I haven't quite finished it yet, the e-mail place upped their price from 50 cents an hour to €2. Lame. So, I am printing it and reading it later, but the beginning part is already making me laugh. So Daniel is in the MTC? I mean "Elder Oversby"...! I should write him a letter. He is such a wonderful person! He will make a wonderful missionary.
What are you going to Utah for? Say hi to all the missionaries families here. Just kidding. Some people aren't from Utah.
Wow, I can't wait to hold Audrey and be the bestest Auntie Em ever. I got your letters last Tuesday and they were wonderful. I was slightly jealous that the whole family was together except for me. And you all went to the beach and ate lots of food, all things that I can't do. Haha. Seriously, what is dinner like? I have forgotten because we don't have a dinner break here. We have a two hour break for lunch and then the rest of the night is just work work work.
This past week was CRAZY busy. It just makes my head spin. On Tuesday, we taught a 19 year old boy Johannes who is trying to figure out first of all if he has faith, and secondly why it is so important. He is praying about our message and reading das Buch Mormon (big commitments that people really struggle to do). Then, we taught an inactive member who is trying to rebuild his faith and relive the commandments. He has a fear of social situations so he has a hard time coming to church--imagine if it was more than 15 people at church...
Then, we had Englisch Klasse in which we got a new student! I was so excited! We worked on the past tense and made sentences with prepositions. It is harder than ILP because I don't have the resources, but it is still fun.
Then we taught an old investigator named Helga who is like 65 years old and unwilling to change. She doesn't want to be converted or rebaptized. She came to church on Sunday but afterwards basically "Tschuss-ed" us, a German and English word meaning she said goodbye and doesn't want contact with the church.
On Wednesday, we had a Strassenausstellung (street display) in which I talked to a man for about a half an hour by myself! And, I got contact information and everything! One thing at a time is what I keep telling myself!
Then we taught a man named Godfried who is from Togo (next to Ghana, Africa) and his family now lives in France. This is the third time we've taught him and he said the opening prayer in which he SANG! It was the most beautiful prayer I have ever witnessed. He cried during the film, "The Restoration" and he is going to pray to know if our message is true. Too bad he'll be on vacation until the day after this transfer is over. Who knows who will be here when that day comes.
Thursday is our day in Stralsund in which we spend a lot of time on the train. Sadly, our first appointment with Herr Beitter (I think I told you about him--the man who got hit by a train and now has only one leg and is really excited about the Resurrection) fell out. But, we sat in his nice cool doorway and made like a ba-jillion phone calls.
Then, we went to Frau Pahl--the lady who is like 70 and doesn't want to get baptized because she doesn't want to go without her sister and has been investigating the church for ten years and always stuffs us with cake. This time, she had a broken wrist so we ate a carton of eis-ice cream, luckily they are smaller here. Sister Shallenberger cleaned her nails and then we read from das Buch Mormon. Then, we went to our next appointment with an inactive lady who does drugs and she wouldn't answer the door. The klingel on the outside of the apartment was broken and we called a lot and she never answered, but we could SEE her! I am so sad about that.
Friday morning we went to Wolgast and had an appointment with a 24-year-old guy named Jan. He insisted that he was atheist even though he believes in God. He is searching for the true church, but if he finds it, he still won't join or go to church. We have an appointment with him on Friday morning and we'll see what happens from there. Then we went to Khurshid "the Dönerman." He owns a little shop and is from Khazakstan and I am not sure if he is going to be an investigator or not. He is very Muslim and always says that we are there to, "discuss informations." He was so overjoyed that we brought him a Book of Mormon in Urdu though. He is going to pray about our message and we'll see what happens from there. My trainer said that my teaching was really good for both of those lessons and my heart skipped a few beats! Yeah, good teaching!
Next, we went back to Greifswald and taught Frau Brauer--the lady who was a member of the church, then took her records out because someone made fun of her and wore the wrong skirt. She said she would forgive the lady if the lady came over and apologized! We are making progress--and she prayed with us! She never does and at the end she prayed for the Obamas. I thought you'd like that. Then, we went to the Senior Missionaries apartment and had a lesson with a man named Baburam from Nepal. I actually taught him a first (lesson), my first week here and he gave a closing prayer and cried--did I tell you about that? Well, this time he brought his wife and we retaught a first because it had been so long and they were very touched during the teaching and the wife cried twice.
Saturday, we had planning in which I fell asleep... Whoops. I'm tired! Can you tell why?! Then, we had two appointments and they both fell out, but we picked up Sandy from the train station, she was out of the hospital! We talked to her and recommitted her to baptism and it was supposed to be yesterday, but that was a little short notice so we moved it to Tuesday. Hopefully it will work out, but she went to the hospital again yesterday. She is so ready to get baptized and really wants to. I should send you pictures of her!
Then, Sunday, we had FOUR investigators at church which was so hectic. We had to bike to pick up fourteen year old Maria, then the Elders went and got Helga and walked her to church, Elder Johnson (senior missionary) picked up Sandy, and Baburam's wife came to church before she goes back to Nepal on Friday. It was crazy, then we organize where everyone sits and make sure the right people have interpreters and someone to sit next to (so they feel comfortable and welcome).
Later, we took a train to the Wolgast church, walked there and were sweating like crazy when we got there two minutes late. Then, Sister Shallenberger and I sang a song during sacrament. After church a family asked us if we had any appointments and we didn't (there was supposed to be a baptism), so they had us over for an eating appointment. Then, we got back to Greifswald at 8:10 in time for Pow-Wow with the Johnsons and discuss numbers and investigators and eat really awesome grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.
So, that was my week and now my fingers hurt.
If you send a package, you can send it to my apartment, otherwise I won't get it until Zone Conference and that is like the 18th of September. German Post is really good and if it was a package they would ring the doorbell and I would go downstairs and get it. Can I request a few things? Like taco seasoning? Mmmm. Makes me hungry just thinking about it. PS Nana's seasoning is such a big hit here. It is the best thing ever. And Reese's? And, maybe jeans. I don't know which is the best way to get another pair of pants, if I buy them or if you send them, which is cheaper?
I tried to call Well's Fargo, but this is SO complicated to do here. We really tried to figure it out, but I don't know how to get a hold of an operator and neither do the Germans. So, if Dad does that it would be great. Well, I used my comp's phone card and it said it had 15 minutes and after about 4 minutes it hung up on me. I did get enough information that no matter what they have to cancel my card and send me a new one because I can't go to the bank personally with my card. He might as well reactivate my credit card. The money thing is not as much of a problem anymore, but I will need it when the winter comes and I have no jacket or boots. At least I have a few months. And the "bike tax" hasn't been taken out of my account yet. I don't think.
Oh, and I saw a deer yesterday! Yipee! They are small. And, I don't think I usually see them because my eyes suck. Oh, well.
Jace is going to be a doctor! Okay, I have a plan. Christian can be in charge of the business aspect of the hospital, Jace will be the doctor, Katie will be the PR rep, Joseph will do the web-site, Jimmy will be the graphic designer, and I will be the nurse! Deal? Deal. I am so game.
Sounds like everything is going well at home and I am so happy that you will fill your days with being a sub. That is pretty cool. Children are so cute. Good luck! I love you so so much! Have a wonderful fantastic lovely day!
Love Sister Turner
Thanks for forwarding Dad's talk, I haven't quite finished it yet, the e-mail place upped their price from 50 cents an hour to €2. Lame. So, I am printing it and reading it later, but the beginning part is already making me laugh. So Daniel is in the MTC? I mean "Elder Oversby"...! I should write him a letter. He is such a wonderful person! He will make a wonderful missionary.
What are you going to Utah for? Say hi to all the missionaries families here. Just kidding. Some people aren't from Utah.
Wow, I can't wait to hold Audrey and be the bestest Auntie Em ever. I got your letters last Tuesday and they were wonderful. I was slightly jealous that the whole family was together except for me. And you all went to the beach and ate lots of food, all things that I can't do. Haha. Seriously, what is dinner like? I have forgotten because we don't have a dinner break here. We have a two hour break for lunch and then the rest of the night is just work work work.
This past week was CRAZY busy. It just makes my head spin. On Tuesday, we taught a 19 year old boy Johannes who is trying to figure out first of all if he has faith, and secondly why it is so important. He is praying about our message and reading das Buch Mormon (big commitments that people really struggle to do). Then, we taught an inactive member who is trying to rebuild his faith and relive the commandments. He has a fear of social situations so he has a hard time coming to church--imagine if it was more than 15 people at church...
Then, we had Englisch Klasse in which we got a new student! I was so excited! We worked on the past tense and made sentences with prepositions. It is harder than ILP because I don't have the resources, but it is still fun.
Then we taught an old investigator named Helga who is like 65 years old and unwilling to change. She doesn't want to be converted or rebaptized. She came to church on Sunday but afterwards basically "Tschuss-ed" us, a German and English word meaning she said goodbye and doesn't want contact with the church.
On Wednesday, we had a Strassenausstellung (street display) in which I talked to a man for about a half an hour by myself! And, I got contact information and everything! One thing at a time is what I keep telling myself!
Then we taught a man named Godfried who is from Togo (next to Ghana, Africa) and his family now lives in France. This is the third time we've taught him and he said the opening prayer in which he SANG! It was the most beautiful prayer I have ever witnessed. He cried during the film, "The Restoration" and he is going to pray to know if our message is true. Too bad he'll be on vacation until the day after this transfer is over. Who knows who will be here when that day comes.
Thursday is our day in Stralsund in which we spend a lot of time on the train. Sadly, our first appointment with Herr Beitter (I think I told you about him--the man who got hit by a train and now has only one leg and is really excited about the Resurrection) fell out. But, we sat in his nice cool doorway and made like a ba-jillion phone calls.
Then, we went to Frau Pahl--the lady who is like 70 and doesn't want to get baptized because she doesn't want to go without her sister and has been investigating the church for ten years and always stuffs us with cake. This time, she had a broken wrist so we ate a carton of eis-ice cream, luckily they are smaller here. Sister Shallenberger cleaned her nails and then we read from das Buch Mormon. Then, we went to our next appointment with an inactive lady who does drugs and she wouldn't answer the door. The klingel on the outside of the apartment was broken and we called a lot and she never answered, but we could SEE her! I am so sad about that.
Friday morning we went to Wolgast and had an appointment with a 24-year-old guy named Jan. He insisted that he was atheist even though he believes in God. He is searching for the true church, but if he finds it, he still won't join or go to church. We have an appointment with him on Friday morning and we'll see what happens from there. Then we went to Khurshid "the Dönerman." He owns a little shop and is from Khazakstan and I am not sure if he is going to be an investigator or not. He is very Muslim and always says that we are there to, "discuss informations." He was so overjoyed that we brought him a Book of Mormon in Urdu though. He is going to pray about our message and we'll see what happens from there. My trainer said that my teaching was really good for both of those lessons and my heart skipped a few beats! Yeah, good teaching!
Next, we went back to Greifswald and taught Frau Brauer--the lady who was a member of the church, then took her records out because someone made fun of her and wore the wrong skirt. She said she would forgive the lady if the lady came over and apologized! We are making progress--and she prayed with us! She never does and at the end she prayed for the Obamas. I thought you'd like that. Then, we went to the Senior Missionaries apartment and had a lesson with a man named Baburam from Nepal. I actually taught him a first (lesson), my first week here and he gave a closing prayer and cried--did I tell you about that? Well, this time he brought his wife and we retaught a first because it had been so long and they were very touched during the teaching and the wife cried twice.
Saturday, we had planning in which I fell asleep... Whoops. I'm tired! Can you tell why?! Then, we had two appointments and they both fell out, but we picked up Sandy from the train station, she was out of the hospital! We talked to her and recommitted her to baptism and it was supposed to be yesterday, but that was a little short notice so we moved it to Tuesday. Hopefully it will work out, but she went to the hospital again yesterday. She is so ready to get baptized and really wants to. I should send you pictures of her!
Then, Sunday, we had FOUR investigators at church which was so hectic. We had to bike to pick up fourteen year old Maria, then the Elders went and got Helga and walked her to church, Elder Johnson (senior missionary) picked up Sandy, and Baburam's wife came to church before she goes back to Nepal on Friday. It was crazy, then we organize where everyone sits and make sure the right people have interpreters and someone to sit next to (so they feel comfortable and welcome).
Later, we took a train to the Wolgast church, walked there and were sweating like crazy when we got there two minutes late. Then, Sister Shallenberger and I sang a song during sacrament. After church a family asked us if we had any appointments and we didn't (there was supposed to be a baptism), so they had us over for an eating appointment. Then, we got back to Greifswald at 8:10 in time for Pow-Wow with the Johnsons and discuss numbers and investigators and eat really awesome grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.
So, that was my week and now my fingers hurt.
If you send a package, you can send it to my apartment, otherwise I won't get it until Zone Conference and that is like the 18th of September. German Post is really good and if it was a package they would ring the doorbell and I would go downstairs and get it. Can I request a few things? Like taco seasoning? Mmmm. Makes me hungry just thinking about it. PS Nana's seasoning is such a big hit here. It is the best thing ever. And Reese's? And, maybe jeans. I don't know which is the best way to get another pair of pants, if I buy them or if you send them, which is cheaper?
I tried to call Well's Fargo, but this is SO complicated to do here. We really tried to figure it out, but I don't know how to get a hold of an operator and neither do the Germans. So, if Dad does that it would be great. Well, I used my comp's phone card and it said it had 15 minutes and after about 4 minutes it hung up on me. I did get enough information that no matter what they have to cancel my card and send me a new one because I can't go to the bank personally with my card. He might as well reactivate my credit card. The money thing is not as much of a problem anymore, but I will need it when the winter comes and I have no jacket or boots. At least I have a few months. And the "bike tax" hasn't been taken out of my account yet. I don't think.
Oh, and I saw a deer yesterday! Yipee! They are small. And, I don't think I usually see them because my eyes suck. Oh, well.
Jace is going to be a doctor! Okay, I have a plan. Christian can be in charge of the business aspect of the hospital, Jace will be the doctor, Katie will be the PR rep, Joseph will do the web-site, Jimmy will be the graphic designer, and I will be the nurse! Deal? Deal. I am so game.
Sounds like everything is going well at home and I am so happy that you will fill your days with being a sub. That is pretty cool. Children are so cute. Good luck! I love you so so much! Have a wonderful fantastic lovely day!
Love Sister Turner
8/17/09
Hey Everyone!
Here is last week's email from Miss Em. In the beginning of the letter she is responding to my email. I told her all about her cousin Sara's wedding. Before Em left on her mission she said that when she eventually gets married she would like to use Gerber daisies in her bouquet. I told I didn't think it was a wise choice because I didn't think they would hold up all day. Turns out I didn't know what I was talking about because not only was Sara's bouquet gorgeous all day, but the centerpiece I brought home lasted a week! Then she was talking about being allergic to her vitamins because they make her sick sometimes after she takes them. If anyone knows anything about why vitamins would do that would you let her or me know please?
Also she asks for missionary stories from her dad, but she would be thrilled to hear any missionary or inspirational stories any of you have so send them her way and make her day!
One final note--her birthday is coming up--Sept 9th, for anyone who just might want to send her something! Ideas (besides a nice card or a little cash) for those of you who feel so inclined: candy, cereal, junk food, taco seasoning, recipes, pictures, tape recordings of you talking to her (she has a mini cassette recorder to play them with) or anything you might think she would like. Thank you for taking the time to continue to read this blog. Here's Miss Em!
Hi Mom!
Thanks for paying attention to the flowers for me! Es freut mich so sehr! That makes me so happy! (I figure if I put random german in the letters it will help us both get better at the language.) I don't think I will be getting married for at least another 16 months but you never know.
That day I did eat the vitamins with food, but it was right after I woke up. But, the other times in the MTC was after dinner. It was so weird. I just don't like it...
Um. Do you want to go to Lanaya's wedding next year and bring me around again? She is apparently dating this guy that she wants to marry it just so happens she is leaving for Africa tomorrow. She told me she still wants me to be her Maid of Honor even though I can't be there, isn't that so cute?!
Thanks for earning me some mulah while I just spend like crazy over here. seriously. I mean my msf (missionary spending fund) is for €175 but we have to buy our train tickets with that money and we travel weekly. these tickets are usually €25. so we buy them and then have to rückerstatt, um send them in and get the money back, what's that called in Englisch?
did you see that the postcard was written on both sides? feel special. your the only ones that got two sides of writing. haha. i am so glad that you can know what the forecast for Greifswald is-- i never know what kind of day its going to be. we usually look outside and see what the germans are wearing and base our clothes off of that. the clouds are so deceiving! oh and just to let you know the name of the city is pronounced Gr-eye-fs-V-ald, not griefs-wald.
No, we don't work out. The way I figure it is, we bike around all day, why do sport in the morning? but, think we are going to start that up soon (my trainer was having a hard time--if you want to know more ask joseph--he knows all).
thanks for editing the e-mails on the blog for me, i got a little worried when my comp was looking at it and i couldn't tell if you kept the part about me being a little disappointed with the pace we were working.
oh, and i will try and be more diligent with my journal writing, you and Kayla wrote about it to me this week! Sometimes I don't feel like writing because I will be a little upset and don't want to remember my bad feelings and that has been these past few weeks before i go to bed. again--if you want to know more ask Joseph.
Oh, and I still really would like stories or what have you from Dad's mission! That would be so great!
Now, for the random things I write in my planner to update you about my week.
So, like I said, we take a train everywhere and every time we come back from Stralsund my trainer sees deer! I have yet to see them, but it just made me so happy I had to let Dad know. The deer look the same here, even though they're German. Hehe.
We had a tausch (lesson) this past week and a sister that served here in Greifswald came back with me and told me about all of the people/contacts and then we taught a lady named Frau Brauer and I was actually the one leading the discussion. I pretty much did most of it. It surprised myself how well I could do. This time, with a plan and notes in English for me to translate, I was ready and the lady was impressed!
I have one little scripture to share. It is in Jacob 7:5 and there is this person called Sherem who is trying to tell the Nephites that there isn't a God and talks to Jacob who knows that his faith won't even shake a little. It says, "And he had hope to shake me from the faith, notwithstanding the many revelations and the many things which I had seen concerning these things; for I truly had seen angels, and they had ministered unto me. And also, I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in very word, from time to time; wherefore, I could not be shaken." It reminded me of Jewel's song "Hands" which says that WE are every day angels. So, as I see it, we shouldn't let our faith waver because we see and are normal daily angels--the little miracles that happen through people happen because God sends them to us. He is our Loving Heavenly Father and is very aware of us here on Earth. For a lot people it is hard to believe in a God that would let the world have so many evils, but how else are we to learn anything in this life if he just spoils us with an easy world? Well, that's pretty much it and I hope that it makes sense!
I love you so much and look forward to p-day so much so that I can hear from you!
I love you and dad so so much! Have a great week!
Love,
Sister Turner
Here is last week's email from Miss Em. In the beginning of the letter she is responding to my email. I told her all about her cousin Sara's wedding. Before Em left on her mission she said that when she eventually gets married she would like to use Gerber daisies in her bouquet. I told I didn't think it was a wise choice because I didn't think they would hold up all day. Turns out I didn't know what I was talking about because not only was Sara's bouquet gorgeous all day, but the centerpiece I brought home lasted a week! Then she was talking about being allergic to her vitamins because they make her sick sometimes after she takes them. If anyone knows anything about why vitamins would do that would you let her or me know please?
Also she asks for missionary stories from her dad, but she would be thrilled to hear any missionary or inspirational stories any of you have so send them her way and make her day!
One final note--her birthday is coming up--Sept 9th, for anyone who just might want to send her something! Ideas (besides a nice card or a little cash) for those of you who feel so inclined: candy, cereal, junk food, taco seasoning, recipes, pictures, tape recordings of you talking to her (she has a mini cassette recorder to play them with) or anything you might think she would like. Thank you for taking the time to continue to read this blog. Here's Miss Em!
Hi Mom!
Thanks for paying attention to the flowers for me! Es freut mich so sehr! That makes me so happy! (I figure if I put random german in the letters it will help us both get better at the language.) I don't think I will be getting married for at least another 16 months but you never know.
That day I did eat the vitamins with food, but it was right after I woke up. But, the other times in the MTC was after dinner. It was so weird. I just don't like it...
Um. Do you want to go to Lanaya's wedding next year and bring me around again? She is apparently dating this guy that she wants to marry it just so happens she is leaving for Africa tomorrow. She told me she still wants me to be her Maid of Honor even though I can't be there, isn't that so cute?!
Thanks for earning me some mulah while I just spend like crazy over here. seriously. I mean my msf (missionary spending fund) is for €175 but we have to buy our train tickets with that money and we travel weekly. these tickets are usually €25. so we buy them and then have to rückerstatt, um send them in and get the money back, what's that called in Englisch?
did you see that the postcard was written on both sides? feel special. your the only ones that got two sides of writing. haha. i am so glad that you can know what the forecast for Greifswald is-- i never know what kind of day its going to be. we usually look outside and see what the germans are wearing and base our clothes off of that. the clouds are so deceiving! oh and just to let you know the name of the city is pronounced Gr-eye-fs-V-ald, not griefs-wald.
No, we don't work out. The way I figure it is, we bike around all day, why do sport in the morning? but, think we are going to start that up soon (my trainer was having a hard time--if you want to know more ask joseph--he knows all).
thanks for editing the e-mails on the blog for me, i got a little worried when my comp was looking at it and i couldn't tell if you kept the part about me being a little disappointed with the pace we were working.
oh, and i will try and be more diligent with my journal writing, you and Kayla wrote about it to me this week! Sometimes I don't feel like writing because I will be a little upset and don't want to remember my bad feelings and that has been these past few weeks before i go to bed. again--if you want to know more ask Joseph.
Oh, and I still really would like stories or what have you from Dad's mission! That would be so great!
Now, for the random things I write in my planner to update you about my week.
So, like I said, we take a train everywhere and every time we come back from Stralsund my trainer sees deer! I have yet to see them, but it just made me so happy I had to let Dad know. The deer look the same here, even though they're German. Hehe.
We had a tausch (lesson) this past week and a sister that served here in Greifswald came back with me and told me about all of the people/contacts and then we taught a lady named Frau Brauer and I was actually the one leading the discussion. I pretty much did most of it. It surprised myself how well I could do. This time, with a plan and notes in English for me to translate, I was ready and the lady was impressed!
I have one little scripture to share. It is in Jacob 7:5 and there is this person called Sherem who is trying to tell the Nephites that there isn't a God and talks to Jacob who knows that his faith won't even shake a little. It says, "And he had hope to shake me from the faith, notwithstanding the many revelations and the many things which I had seen concerning these things; for I truly had seen angels, and they had ministered unto me. And also, I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in very word, from time to time; wherefore, I could not be shaken." It reminded me of Jewel's song "Hands" which says that WE are every day angels. So, as I see it, we shouldn't let our faith waver because we see and are normal daily angels--the little miracles that happen through people happen because God sends them to us. He is our Loving Heavenly Father and is very aware of us here on Earth. For a lot people it is hard to believe in a God that would let the world have so many evils, but how else are we to learn anything in this life if he just spoils us with an easy world? Well, that's pretty much it and I hope that it makes sense!
I love you so much and look forward to p-day so much so that I can hear from you!
I love you and dad so so much! Have a great week!
Love,
Sister Turner
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
8/10/2009
This letter is a crack up! In the email I wrote to her I asked if she got to do any site seeing as this is a typical activity for missionaries on some P-days (preparation days where the missionary takes care of business like laundry and writing to the fam!) I told she should go see the Pergamom Museum in Berlin as it has one of the greatest exhibits in the Ancient World. She was responding to an email I sent at 1 am. I had returned from taking Katie to meet Jimmy halfway to her house. I had had an energy drink that kept me up for hours after my return home, but it was a good trip and a great visit with Katie! Here's this weeks letter!
Hey!
I am so glad to get an e-mail from you, even if your a little crazy with an energy drink... Ha. But, we don't really do much because we are in a beach town, so that is pretty much it. Maybe when I am closer to Berlin, but we can't leave our area.
Well, we had transfer calls on Saturday, I don't know if you know how big of a deal that is, but it was the height of excitement this past week. I am staying with my trainer here in Greifswald and one of the elders is going west to Rostock. I am so glad to be staying because that means I get to see our investigators progress.
As far as Sandy is concerned I have a lesson to share with you that I learned this week. So, Sandy is an interesting person with lots of little quirks and has a piercing between the eyes, lots of ear piercings, I think some tattoos, and black hair. Well, after setting the baptismal date this week we had a meeting and taught her about the word of wisdom--not too hard, she doesn't smoke or drink, and chastity. She said she'd keep it. So, that night she left us with an old man named Bernt who is mostly blind. The following three days we couldn't get a hold of her and her phone was turned off for a while. I just knew something like that would happen. Finally my trainer called her again and she answered the phone. What excuse could she make now? I thought. Well, it turns out she had a heart attack in the middle of town and went unconscious and was life flighted to Berlin. She is in the hospital there and will return to Greifswald soon. Wow. I felt like so mean just to assume so much about her when she was in the hospital the whole time. So, that is the biggest lesson this week.
Oh, my gosh, by the way the internet place is playing the song, "Way Back into Love" from that one Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant movie (Music and Lyrics). Haha, I just had to tell you. Oh, and it's in German!
Last Tuesday I went on my first tausch--exchange. I went to Rostock for the day and it was quite an adventure and a fun way to see how other missionaries work. The sister I was with is one transfer older than me so we are both Golden (young in the mission) so it was quite an interesting experience. The sister has a really bad accent and people would respond in English, then I would say something in German and they would respond in German to me and then I would have no idea what they were saying so she would respond and the circle would repeat. We talked to so many more people, it was crazy. But, when I got back to Greifswald I was so appreciative of my trainer because we have more in common so missionary work isn't so boring and we talked to so many more people after that. We taught 23 Sonstiges--um... Lessons? during the week. It was amazing and I am so excited to continue that hard work.
So, the senior missionaries in our area don't like us. I'm not exactly sure what happened, they went to Berlin for the week and then came back and were cold and distant and called Sister Shallenberger and I "mouthy." I was so offended. Ugh. People. But, at least at our weekly pow-wow in which they serve us grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup (the best thing in the world--and they know how much I love it) I put on my--as you call it--perk and they just love me. What can I say? I learned how to shmooze from Christian! Speaking of which, tell the lame-o to write me back! Ha, and tell him I love him!
Okay, so yesterday we ate with some members-the Lorke's- and they are the most interesting and quirky couple ever. I don't know how else to describe them. They fed us borsht last time. This time they fed us salad and a pretty good soup. Then, came the interesting food that made my stomach do weird things the rest of the night. It was this kraut wrap with ham and white kraut sauce stuff. By the way, I just learned that kraut means cabbage. And the other half (Dad would have died) was pasta and soy meat sauce. Then, we had this weird cottage cheese dessert. Then we played a game and had more dessert which was a plum cake with this weird butter egg sauce in the middle and coffee--pretty sure it was decaf, all I know is it was made of wheat and disgusting. The lady isn't allowed to have sugar so we all have to suffer.
That is pretty much how my week went, hope you enjoy all the stories! And, I hope you keep these e-mails because I am horrible with journal writing, this is the closest thing I've got!
Thanks for the advice about an awesome sight to see, I sure hope to see it someday! And, tell Sara congratulations! I had it written in my planner and told everyone about it! I can't believe I've only been gone 3 months and have missed 3 weddings. Crazy.
I hope you had fun with the family all being there. I told everyone yesterday that since you were all together you probably had a picture of me with you and talked about me the whole time. Haha. Just kidding. But, I am having a fantastic time and want to tell you how much I love you!
Oh, and I would really really like some stories of Dad's mission!
Love Sister Turner
Hey!
I am so glad to get an e-mail from you, even if your a little crazy with an energy drink... Ha. But, we don't really do much because we are in a beach town, so that is pretty much it. Maybe when I am closer to Berlin, but we can't leave our area.
Well, we had transfer calls on Saturday, I don't know if you know how big of a deal that is, but it was the height of excitement this past week. I am staying with my trainer here in Greifswald and one of the elders is going west to Rostock. I am so glad to be staying because that means I get to see our investigators progress.
As far as Sandy is concerned I have a lesson to share with you that I learned this week. So, Sandy is an interesting person with lots of little quirks and has a piercing between the eyes, lots of ear piercings, I think some tattoos, and black hair. Well, after setting the baptismal date this week we had a meeting and taught her about the word of wisdom--not too hard, she doesn't smoke or drink, and chastity. She said she'd keep it. So, that night she left us with an old man named Bernt who is mostly blind. The following three days we couldn't get a hold of her and her phone was turned off for a while. I just knew something like that would happen. Finally my trainer called her again and she answered the phone. What excuse could she make now? I thought. Well, it turns out she had a heart attack in the middle of town and went unconscious and was life flighted to Berlin. She is in the hospital there and will return to Greifswald soon. Wow. I felt like so mean just to assume so much about her when she was in the hospital the whole time. So, that is the biggest lesson this week.
Oh, my gosh, by the way the internet place is playing the song, "Way Back into Love" from that one Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant movie (Music and Lyrics). Haha, I just had to tell you. Oh, and it's in German!
Last Tuesday I went on my first tausch--exchange. I went to Rostock for the day and it was quite an adventure and a fun way to see how other missionaries work. The sister I was with is one transfer older than me so we are both Golden (young in the mission) so it was quite an interesting experience. The sister has a really bad accent and people would respond in English, then I would say something in German and they would respond in German to me and then I would have no idea what they were saying so she would respond and the circle would repeat. We talked to so many more people, it was crazy. But, when I got back to Greifswald I was so appreciative of my trainer because we have more in common so missionary work isn't so boring and we talked to so many more people after that. We taught 23 Sonstiges--um... Lessons? during the week. It was amazing and I am so excited to continue that hard work.
So, the senior missionaries in our area don't like us. I'm not exactly sure what happened, they went to Berlin for the week and then came back and were cold and distant and called Sister Shallenberger and I "mouthy." I was so offended. Ugh. People. But, at least at our weekly pow-wow in which they serve us grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup (the best thing in the world--and they know how much I love it) I put on my--as you call it--perk and they just love me. What can I say? I learned how to shmooze from Christian! Speaking of which, tell the lame-o to write me back! Ha, and tell him I love him!
Okay, so yesterday we ate with some members-the Lorke's- and they are the most interesting and quirky couple ever. I don't know how else to describe them. They fed us borsht last time. This time they fed us salad and a pretty good soup. Then, came the interesting food that made my stomach do weird things the rest of the night. It was this kraut wrap with ham and white kraut sauce stuff. By the way, I just learned that kraut means cabbage. And the other half (Dad would have died) was pasta and soy meat sauce. Then, we had this weird cottage cheese dessert. Then we played a game and had more dessert which was a plum cake with this weird butter egg sauce in the middle and coffee--pretty sure it was decaf, all I know is it was made of wheat and disgusting. The lady isn't allowed to have sugar so we all have to suffer.
That is pretty much how my week went, hope you enjoy all the stories! And, I hope you keep these e-mails because I am horrible with journal writing, this is the closest thing I've got!
Thanks for the advice about an awesome sight to see, I sure hope to see it someday! And, tell Sara congratulations! I had it written in my planner and told everyone about it! I can't believe I've only been gone 3 months and have missed 3 weddings. Crazy.
I hope you had fun with the family all being there. I told everyone yesterday that since you were all together you probably had a picture of me with you and talked about me the whole time. Haha. Just kidding. But, I am having a fantastic time and want to tell you how much I love you!
Oh, and I would really really like some stories of Dad's mission!
Love Sister Turner
Missed a letter!
Okay so last week I forgot to send an email to Em and then she tried to send one to me and it wouldn't go through. Is that Karma or what? Well she forwarded last week's message to me and she had 2 or 3 from me waiting for her when she logged on this week. So here's the one from last week:
Hey! I'm not sure what happened, but I didn't receive any e-mails this week, but I still want to catch you up on what happened this week.
It started as a really slow week, but we were making progress with Maria--the 14 year old--well her mom says we can't teach at her house anymore. We can still teach, just somewhere else. Maria was almost not allowed to go to church.
We taught a man in Stralsund named Udo Ressel who was wearing boxers and a t-shirt during our lesson. He was found by previous missionaries and hasn't been followed up on. So, his friend Sven stayed for the lesson and gave him a couple of cigarettes and beers to drink while we were teaching. It was really weird and I don't know how to describe it, but it was a really good lesson. We taught a second which was perfect because Udo's brother died at 23 and he(Udo not the brother) hasn't quite recovered. When we told him that he will see his brother again, he started to cry. When we bore testimony, you could see in his face that he wanted to know more. I am so interested to see what is going to happen next. The gospel could really change his life.
The next person with big news is Sandy--our huge miracle. Well, after being sick for a really long time, we finally made an appointment with her on Friday after Zone Conference (which was amazing and tons of fun to be with a ton of missionaries). Then, we got on the wrong train and couldn't make our appointment, so we made one for Saturday and she told us to call her and remind her. So, on Saturday Sis Shallenberger calls her and she starts crying and says that all of her friends deserted her and her parents took her child and she can't see her anymore. So, Sister Shallenberger said a lot, and made promises, then asked her to get baptized and she is going to get baptized next Sunday! She came with us to church yesterday and it was amazing, I am just really happy about it and hope the best for her.
Oh, by the way, I am pretty sure I'm allergic to the vitamins that I have. In the MTC I would take them and feel really sick, then this past week I took them and threw up twice. It was NOT a pleasant feeling.
Oh, and I don't know if you need my favorite scripture for my plaque or not, but I thought I'd give it to you--Alma 36:24.
Well, I can't really think of anything else to write this week. Just work as usual. I hope you have a good week and I hope to hear from you next Monday!
Love Sister Turner
Hey! I'm not sure what happened, but I didn't receive any e-mails this week, but I still want to catch you up on what happened this week.
It started as a really slow week, but we were making progress with Maria--the 14 year old--well her mom says we can't teach at her house anymore. We can still teach, just somewhere else. Maria was almost not allowed to go to church.
We taught a man in Stralsund named Udo Ressel who was wearing boxers and a t-shirt during our lesson. He was found by previous missionaries and hasn't been followed up on. So, his friend Sven stayed for the lesson and gave him a couple of cigarettes and beers to drink while we were teaching. It was really weird and I don't know how to describe it, but it was a really good lesson. We taught a second which was perfect because Udo's brother died at 23 and he(Udo not the brother) hasn't quite recovered. When we told him that he will see his brother again, he started to cry. When we bore testimony, you could see in his face that he wanted to know more. I am so interested to see what is going to happen next. The gospel could really change his life.
The next person with big news is Sandy--our huge miracle. Well, after being sick for a really long time, we finally made an appointment with her on Friday after Zone Conference (which was amazing and tons of fun to be with a ton of missionaries). Then, we got on the wrong train and couldn't make our appointment, so we made one for Saturday and she told us to call her and remind her. So, on Saturday Sis Shallenberger calls her and she starts crying and says that all of her friends deserted her and her parents took her child and she can't see her anymore. So, Sister Shallenberger said a lot, and made promises, then asked her to get baptized and she is going to get baptized next Sunday! She came with us to church yesterday and it was amazing, I am just really happy about it and hope the best for her.
Oh, by the way, I am pretty sure I'm allergic to the vitamins that I have. In the MTC I would take them and feel really sick, then this past week I took them and threw up twice. It was NOT a pleasant feeling.
Oh, and I don't know if you need my favorite scripture for my plaque or not, but I thought I'd give it to you--Alma 36:24.
Well, I can't really think of anything else to write this week. Just work as usual. I hope you have a good week and I hope to hear from you next Monday!
Love Sister Turner
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Emily's new address
Here is Emily's new address if you want to write snail mail:
Sister Turner
Kirche Jesu Christi
Anklamer Str 24
17489 Greifswald
Germany
Regular mail is so great for missionaries to receive since they are so far from home. Be sure to add things about the weather or what you are doing in your day or just ordinary things that normally seem boring, but are food for the soul when you are far from home!
Sister Turner
Kirche Jesu Christi
Anklamer Str 24
17489 Greifswald
Germany
Regular mail is so great for missionaries to receive since they are so far from home. Be sure to add things about the weather or what you are doing in your day or just ordinary things that normally seem boring, but are food for the soul when you are far from home!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
July 20, 2009
So, right now as I am typing in this little internet cafe I am sneaking a little bit of german bäkerei. I know you'll be proud. And I introduced my trainer to magnum ice cream. We have one in the freezer right now. Does that make you a little jealous? I just tell everyone that you and Dad MADE me eat them last summer so I can't eat to many!
There are so many stories to tell! Where to start?
First, I learned something about myself this week from my ZL. I was asking about wanting to be doing more, and he said, "People always make excuses not to talk to people-'they are on the other side of the street,' 'they look busy,' 'they look mean,' 'my german isn't good enough." He then said something that changed my whole week. He said, "Make excuses to talk to people." So, I stopped worrying so much about slaughtering the language because no matter what, whether I worry or not, I will slaughter the language, but people still understand me! So, because of that, later on that day we went by the Elder's apt. to pick up tea for my trainer because she was sick. So, as we waited for them to get the tea I saw an old lady hanging out by her window (typical german thing to do), so I gave her a "Woher? Wohin?" pamphlet which means basically "where did I come from? Where am I going after I die?" And has a picture of a baby and an old babs on it. So, S. Shallenber say's, "Yes! Old people! Perfect!" Of course I didn't understand any of her replies and it didn't help that she had like one tooth so she had a lisp with a crazy german accent, but I got my first contact!
We also had a strassenausstelle-meaning a street display and I had to talk to people for 2 hours by myself. Talk about a big german headache later on! But, I am impressed that I didn't need my trainer, well at least I don't think!
Oh, and you know how I ride a bike? Well, it has kind of been failing me this past week. I mean it has no front brakes and the gears don't change so 3rd gear is really fun up a hill, but lately the chain has been falling off as I go down the road. So, I just start yelling to Sister Shallenberger that I can't stop and one of the times, she grabs my arm to slow me down, I lose balance because I am stopping, but the bike still has tons of momentum and I go crashing while it is of course pouring down rain so I was soaking wet, then covered in dirt, and I have tons of bruises and scratches.
Another little bike story--this one's a good one--is we were leaving an apartment which was pretty far away and it was European rainy--slightly misty, but it kind of feels like you're swimming. So, we try to unlock the bike lock and the key is not working. We struggled for 10 minutes or more, then called some people and no one could help or pick us up. So, we said a prayer and hoped for the best, but if we had to walk, could we have good attitudes on the way. Right after the prayer my trainer reaches down, fiddles with the key, and bam, it was open. What a beautiful tiny miracle. I just figured it was Heavenly Father's way of saying, "Stop complaining about your bike! At least you have one!"
So, one of the people we visited was a girl named Maria. Now, the first time we went to drop by she wasn't there because she periodically runs away. I found out why, and it just broke my heart. She has to take care of her 5 brothers and sisters and her mother and she is only 14. Her mom won't even look her in the eyes. But, she found out about the church through a friend and wants to get baptized but her mom won't let her and doesn't like missionaries. So, we went into her bedroom which was completely spotless and every wall was covered with posters of Twilight and there were tons of books stacked up. We asked if she had a Book of Mormon and she pulled it out of this drawer and said she didn't want anyone taking it or ruining it and proceeded to tell us she is at the end of Alma. At 14 years old! I am impressed. So, we taught her about prayer and fasting and asked her to do that for her mother and I guess we'll see.
Thanks for all of the advice about our investigators. As far as Sandy is concerned she hasn't come to church yet. Apparently she had no medicine while she was in Berlin for her cancer and now she has this crazy cold, is bedridden, and the friend she is staying with doesn't like mormons so we can't stop by. But, she says she is reading her Book of Mormon. I want to trust her, but I don't believe it and I don't really believe that she will meet with us.
And, we made progress with Frau Brauer-the one that is a member and we were wondering if she forgot? Well, this week she admitted that she was a member but stopped going because this one lady was making fun of the fact that she can't read because sometimes as she is reading she gets dizzy and she knows that the lady that was making fun of her because her ex-husband was bribing her to do it. And the reason she knows this is because the lady wore a skirt with a pattern that her ex-husband had on some fabric. Paranoia? Remember she is the one that knows her neighbors hate her because she can feel it through the walls...
Oh, and yes, the schitzo does go to all of the activities, we just have to warn our investigators before hand. He just starts laughing in the middle of everything, or his eyes go all crazy, some people think he wants attention, but I literally think he is crazy. And that it isn't his fault.
We also found an inactive named Manfred who apparently is inactive because he had a boat that he needed a place to store and he was keeping it on the Branch presidents lot, but I guess that had miscommunication about the time so the man had to sell his beloved boat and hasn't come back since. So, S. Shallenberger told him that that wouldn't go to heaven with him anyway, but the way you deal with trials and he said he would come back to church, but he doesn't know when. I think he is a little embarassed.
Well, it sounds like you are on the downhill slope of your vacation. I am so happy you had so much fun. I knew you would. And Grandma W. is awesome, her and her little texting habits remind me of the missionaries here. If you have time, you could send me a few pics via e-mail. Oh, and I was going to send you a postcard last week, but I lost my pictures. Sorry.
Oh, and I got my hair cut like a European, I'll have to send pictures. I don't know if I like it, I haven't gotten to do it yet...
P.S. one more random thing i forgot to tell you. the people we ate lunch with call me tina. think about it. yes. tina turner. they don't refer to me as sister turner ever. wow. we have such a cool last name.
There are so many stories to tell! Where to start?
First, I learned something about myself this week from my ZL. I was asking about wanting to be doing more, and he said, "People always make excuses not to talk to people-'they are on the other side of the street,' 'they look busy,' 'they look mean,' 'my german isn't good enough." He then said something that changed my whole week. He said, "Make excuses to talk to people." So, I stopped worrying so much about slaughtering the language because no matter what, whether I worry or not, I will slaughter the language, but people still understand me! So, because of that, later on that day we went by the Elder's apt. to pick up tea for my trainer because she was sick. So, as we waited for them to get the tea I saw an old lady hanging out by her window (typical german thing to do), so I gave her a "Woher? Wohin?" pamphlet which means basically "where did I come from? Where am I going after I die?" And has a picture of a baby and an old babs on it. So, S. Shallenber say's, "Yes! Old people! Perfect!" Of course I didn't understand any of her replies and it didn't help that she had like one tooth so she had a lisp with a crazy german accent, but I got my first contact!
We also had a strassenausstelle-meaning a street display and I had to talk to people for 2 hours by myself. Talk about a big german headache later on! But, I am impressed that I didn't need my trainer, well at least I don't think!
Oh, and you know how I ride a bike? Well, it has kind of been failing me this past week. I mean it has no front brakes and the gears don't change so 3rd gear is really fun up a hill, but lately the chain has been falling off as I go down the road. So, I just start yelling to Sister Shallenberger that I can't stop and one of the times, she grabs my arm to slow me down, I lose balance because I am stopping, but the bike still has tons of momentum and I go crashing while it is of course pouring down rain so I was soaking wet, then covered in dirt, and I have tons of bruises and scratches.
Another little bike story--this one's a good one--is we were leaving an apartment which was pretty far away and it was European rainy--slightly misty, but it kind of feels like you're swimming. So, we try to unlock the bike lock and the key is not working. We struggled for 10 minutes or more, then called some people and no one could help or pick us up. So, we said a prayer and hoped for the best, but if we had to walk, could we have good attitudes on the way. Right after the prayer my trainer reaches down, fiddles with the key, and bam, it was open. What a beautiful tiny miracle. I just figured it was Heavenly Father's way of saying, "Stop complaining about your bike! At least you have one!"
So, one of the people we visited was a girl named Maria. Now, the first time we went to drop by she wasn't there because she periodically runs away. I found out why, and it just broke my heart. She has to take care of her 5 brothers and sisters and her mother and she is only 14. Her mom won't even look her in the eyes. But, she found out about the church through a friend and wants to get baptized but her mom won't let her and doesn't like missionaries. So, we went into her bedroom which was completely spotless and every wall was covered with posters of Twilight and there were tons of books stacked up. We asked if she had a Book of Mormon and she pulled it out of this drawer and said she didn't want anyone taking it or ruining it and proceeded to tell us she is at the end of Alma. At 14 years old! I am impressed. So, we taught her about prayer and fasting and asked her to do that for her mother and I guess we'll see.
Thanks for all of the advice about our investigators. As far as Sandy is concerned she hasn't come to church yet. Apparently she had no medicine while she was in Berlin for her cancer and now she has this crazy cold, is bedridden, and the friend she is staying with doesn't like mormons so we can't stop by. But, she says she is reading her Book of Mormon. I want to trust her, but I don't believe it and I don't really believe that she will meet with us.
And, we made progress with Frau Brauer-the one that is a member and we were wondering if she forgot? Well, this week she admitted that she was a member but stopped going because this one lady was making fun of the fact that she can't read because sometimes as she is reading she gets dizzy and she knows that the lady that was making fun of her because her ex-husband was bribing her to do it. And the reason she knows this is because the lady wore a skirt with a pattern that her ex-husband had on some fabric. Paranoia? Remember she is the one that knows her neighbors hate her because she can feel it through the walls...
Oh, and yes, the schitzo does go to all of the activities, we just have to warn our investigators before hand. He just starts laughing in the middle of everything, or his eyes go all crazy, some people think he wants attention, but I literally think he is crazy. And that it isn't his fault.
We also found an inactive named Manfred who apparently is inactive because he had a boat that he needed a place to store and he was keeping it on the Branch presidents lot, but I guess that had miscommunication about the time so the man had to sell his beloved boat and hasn't come back since. So, S. Shallenberger told him that that wouldn't go to heaven with him anyway, but the way you deal with trials and he said he would come back to church, but he doesn't know when. I think he is a little embarassed.
Well, it sounds like you are on the downhill slope of your vacation. I am so happy you had so much fun. I knew you would. And Grandma W. is awesome, her and her little texting habits remind me of the missionaries here. If you have time, you could send me a few pics via e-mail. Oh, and I was going to send you a postcard last week, but I lost my pictures. Sorry.
Oh, and I got my hair cut like a European, I'll have to send pictures. I don't know if I like it, I haven't gotten to do it yet...
P.S. one more random thing i forgot to tell you. the people we ate lunch with call me tina. think about it. yes. tina turner. they don't refer to me as sister turner ever. wow. we have such a cool last name.
July 13, 2009
So, this week was another fun one, but I of course forgot my planner with all of the things I wanted to tell you! AHH! So, last Monday, when P-Day ended at 6 we went to FHE, had a spiritual thought on eternal marriage--there were 4 missionaries, two married couples and ONE non married guy who, by the way, is a smelly schizophrenic. Not kidding. He just starts laughing in the middle of a lesson. It makes me feel bad.
Then, we worked a lot this week. I guess I never really understood what "missionary work" meant. It doesn't mean that you are gone all day long or that you talk to every single person you see. It is more studying, smiling at people on the street, helping people with groceries, getting to know them, and sharing a brief testimony with them.
Well, last Wednesday, my companion and I witnessed a miracle. It was amazing. We had come home for a short break when my comp opens the area book and starts reading about previous investigators and starts to call them. She read about a girl named Sandy who was found by missionaries that offered to help her with her groceries because it looked like she was. It turns out she was struggling because she had cancer in her legs so she got a priesthood blessing and never felt the pain again. She was going to church, had a baptismal date, then the day of her baptism disappeared and when the missionaries would call or anything she would act like she didn't know them. (She apparently had a boyfriend at the time.) So, this is where my comp comes in. Sandy has a daughter who was with her parents in Italy on urlaub (vacation) so she was going south of Berlin because she can't afford her apartment and she was going to move in with her parents when they got back. So, the train stopped in Berlin and she was doing something when a man walked up to her, choked her, and stole all of her money, identification, everything. So, she goes and sits in a corner of the train station with her remaining stuff and starts to cry because her phone didn't have any money on it, she was going to add it that day. Then a gay guy walks up to her and asks what is wrong. So, she tells him the story and he says he doesn't have any money but she can stay with him until she figures something. Luckily she had a phone charger so she was just waiting for someone to call. No one called for 3 days and she had no food because this guy turned out to be a chain smoker and couldn't afford food. So, she looks at this little angel key chain on her phone and remembers what the sisters had taught her about prayer. So, she pray's and right when she closes and say's Amen the phone rings and it was my comp. So, we found a way to get her back up to Greifswald, got her some food, and we are trying to get an appointment with her, but she has the flu. We are meeting tonight and we want to commit her to baptism, she told my companion, "If I would have gotten baptized this wouldn't have happened! Everything has been going wrong in my life since I turned away!" So, please pray for another miracle!
Okay, next story. I told you about a lady named Frau Brauer, right? Well, she is this really old lady who we teach who is already a member, but forgot or something. So we taught her the other day and it was really good, we talked about 2 Nephi 31, asked about baptism and then she started talking about her previous marriage and things like that. Then, as we are about to leave, she asks us to pray for her because her neighbors hate her and are trying to poison her, she can feel it through the walls. Komisch, nah? Wierd, huh? Everything was normal right until the end. We also teach Frau Pahl up in Stralsund, I think I told you about her too, she is 81 and has arthritis and doesn't want to join the church because she doesn't want to go to the Celestial Kingdom without her sister. This week she gave us so much lemon streudel (strOIdel, not struedel-that is a different dessert) and hot chocolate, I thought I was going to burst. Then, she was talking about how she doesn't understand why people don't believe the Book of Mormon is true. Then, she said, maybe because the Germans are used to being deceived they don't want to experience it again like they did Hitler. She talks about hailing Hitler and that whole ordeal. It is so intense, I wish I understood more of what she is saying. And, she also taught us how to get rid of back pain and she demonstrated bending down really slowly, swing your arms, then as you come back up you basically do a body roll. I almost died of laughter, she is 81 years OLD!!!
Well, to be honest, being a missionary is the best thing ever. I love being able to see the change people have when the spirit testifies of truth. I love getting to bear my testimony every day to random people on the street. We were told that the average is 10,000 people contacted for 1 baptism. I am only at like 100, so I really need to get to work! I have realized that I probably hold everyone at too high of a standard and I always have. I have always pushed people to do more work than they can stand so I am trying not to do that as a missionary. I cannot run faster than I have strength. Everyday I remind myself of that.
So, I am so proud of your big fish that you caught! I am impressed you survived ANOTHER week of camping. Oh, and random things: I am in a branch, I can't remember my pin number to my debit card, I still need to get those addresses to you, this internet place smells like bad BO, my comps name is Katie and has a sister named Emily, und so weiter (and so on).
Oh, and yesterday we went to the Koch's in our ward's garden like a dacha in Russia and they fed us more meat than I ever thought humanly possible. So, we ate pig stomach, two steaks, chicken, sausage, salad, bread with butter and dill, and we had a "kleiner prophet" literally meaning small prophet that means we are getting dessert. So, we had pudding, and little chocolaty marshmallows. I thought I'd pop like a balloon. Anyway, I have to write a few more e-mails, but I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!
Then, we worked a lot this week. I guess I never really understood what "missionary work" meant. It doesn't mean that you are gone all day long or that you talk to every single person you see. It is more studying, smiling at people on the street, helping people with groceries, getting to know them, and sharing a brief testimony with them.
Well, last Wednesday, my companion and I witnessed a miracle. It was amazing. We had come home for a short break when my comp opens the area book and starts reading about previous investigators and starts to call them. She read about a girl named Sandy who was found by missionaries that offered to help her with her groceries because it looked like she was. It turns out she was struggling because she had cancer in her legs so she got a priesthood blessing and never felt the pain again. She was going to church, had a baptismal date, then the day of her baptism disappeared and when the missionaries would call or anything she would act like she didn't know them. (She apparently had a boyfriend at the time.) So, this is where my comp comes in. Sandy has a daughter who was with her parents in Italy on urlaub (vacation) so she was going south of Berlin because she can't afford her apartment and she was going to move in with her parents when they got back. So, the train stopped in Berlin and she was doing something when a man walked up to her, choked her, and stole all of her money, identification, everything. So, she goes and sits in a corner of the train station with her remaining stuff and starts to cry because her phone didn't have any money on it, she was going to add it that day. Then a gay guy walks up to her and asks what is wrong. So, she tells him the story and he says he doesn't have any money but she can stay with him until she figures something. Luckily she had a phone charger so she was just waiting for someone to call. No one called for 3 days and she had no food because this guy turned out to be a chain smoker and couldn't afford food. So, she looks at this little angel key chain on her phone and remembers what the sisters had taught her about prayer. So, she pray's and right when she closes and say's Amen the phone rings and it was my comp. So, we found a way to get her back up to Greifswald, got her some food, and we are trying to get an appointment with her, but she has the flu. We are meeting tonight and we want to commit her to baptism, she told my companion, "If I would have gotten baptized this wouldn't have happened! Everything has been going wrong in my life since I turned away!" So, please pray for another miracle!
Okay, next story. I told you about a lady named Frau Brauer, right? Well, she is this really old lady who we teach who is already a member, but forgot or something. So we taught her the other day and it was really good, we talked about 2 Nephi 31, asked about baptism and then she started talking about her previous marriage and things like that. Then, as we are about to leave, she asks us to pray for her because her neighbors hate her and are trying to poison her, she can feel it through the walls. Komisch, nah? Wierd, huh? Everything was normal right until the end. We also teach Frau Pahl up in Stralsund, I think I told you about her too, she is 81 and has arthritis and doesn't want to join the church because she doesn't want to go to the Celestial Kingdom without her sister. This week she gave us so much lemon streudel (strOIdel, not struedel-that is a different dessert) and hot chocolate, I thought I was going to burst. Then, she was talking about how she doesn't understand why people don't believe the Book of Mormon is true. Then, she said, maybe because the Germans are used to being deceived they don't want to experience it again like they did Hitler. She talks about hailing Hitler and that whole ordeal. It is so intense, I wish I understood more of what she is saying. And, she also taught us how to get rid of back pain and she demonstrated bending down really slowly, swing your arms, then as you come back up you basically do a body roll. I almost died of laughter, she is 81 years OLD!!!
Well, to be honest, being a missionary is the best thing ever. I love being able to see the change people have when the spirit testifies of truth. I love getting to bear my testimony every day to random people on the street. We were told that the average is 10,000 people contacted for 1 baptism. I am only at like 100, so I really need to get to work! I have realized that I probably hold everyone at too high of a standard and I always have. I have always pushed people to do more work than they can stand so I am trying not to do that as a missionary. I cannot run faster than I have strength. Everyday I remind myself of that.
So, I am so proud of your big fish that you caught! I am impressed you survived ANOTHER week of camping. Oh, and random things: I am in a branch, I can't remember my pin number to my debit card, I still need to get those addresses to you, this internet place smells like bad BO, my comps name is Katie and has a sister named Emily, und so weiter (and so on).
Oh, and yesterday we went to the Koch's in our ward's garden like a dacha in Russia and they fed us more meat than I ever thought humanly possible. So, we ate pig stomach, two steaks, chicken, sausage, salad, bread with butter and dill, and we had a "kleiner prophet" literally meaning small prophet that means we are getting dessert. So, we had pudding, and little chocolaty marshmallows. I thought I'd pop like a balloon. Anyway, I have to write a few more e-mails, but I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!
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