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
Sunday, November 29, 2009
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.
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