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
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
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
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