July 27, 2015

Dear Family,

This week was good. Monday we went by on all of our referrals because we had taken P-day on Saturday to go to the Temple. None of the referrals answered the door but better luck next time I guess. Then we went to the Kleinert’s and had dinner and met with Sister Altmeyer. We talked about families and it went okay.

On Tuesday we went and started dooring a street next to the Langner’s because sister Langner told us a former member lived there. We went to the end of the street rang the first bell and some guy let us in and told us that he was cooking and that we could come back later. We realized after we left that we had met this guy on a bus. He spoke English with us. He seemed pretty cool so hopefully we can go back and meet with him today or something. We had a lesson with Eve again and it went pretty well. We taught about the Ten Commandments and fasting and tithing. Then we had gemiko.  I don’t remember what it’s called in English but we meet with the ward mission leader during that time. After that we had English class and then went by on a former investigator who didn’t answer and then we had dinner. 

On Wednesday we had District meeting and then I went on a split to Unna. It was pretty good.   I went with a Golden (brand new missionary).  We did some contacting and did some studies and then we had dinner. It was a fun split. Thursday we did studies and then we split back. After that we had institute and we got our guy Alli to come. It was fun we had a good class about being obedient and then had giant pancakes.

Castle on the way to Frankfurt

Then on Friday we did studies, weekly planning and then we went to Kierspe.  It is a small little city south of us. The Italian guy we met a while back lives out there so we went by on him. He was sitting outside his store and invited us in. He told us that he had read over a 100 pages in the Book of Mormon. We gave him the first lesson and he seemed to like it. I don’t know if he understands the best but he told us he knows the Book of Mormon is from God. We tried making an appointment for another time but he said no. He said come back anytime my house is yours. He is a cool dude. So hopefully we can go back next Friday. 

On Saturday we went to Iserlohn and had an appointment with a lady. Brother Kramer came too. It was really good and we talked about Temples. She is a cool lady. She isn’t a member yet but she goes to institute and helps cook and comes to church a lot. Then we were supposed to go to Kramer’s but he wasn’t feeling so good. So he bought us dinner and brought us home. He is an awesome guy. He wasn’t feeling good but he pulled through and came to our appointment anyways. 

Frankfurt Temple

Sunday we went to church and there were not very many people there. So after Church we went by on a few people and then went home and had dinner. 

It was a pretty good week. Today we are going to Dortmund to play basketball. It should be a fun day. The guy we gave the church tour to, came to church with his friend once and the guy from Lüdenscheid told us we could come back on any Friday and give him a lesson. I think we are going back this Friday. The Niggemeyers said they would come to church in a few weeks and we can meet then. 

Well I am glad all is going good with you guys. Glad you caught at least some fish. We still have a ton from last year right? haha how was the ward party. It sounds like it went well.

Abby, how was Seldovia? It sounds like you had a wonderful time out there. I am doing great.  Man I miss slushies. I haven’t had one in forever and I haven’t seen any here.

Thanks so much. You guys are the best. I love you and miss you! Can’t wait to skype again! 

Love, Devin

Scenery on the way to Frankfurt

July 20, 2015

Hey Family,

So this week was great. On Monday we went to Dortmund and walked around the mall and I got a cool new tie. Then after that I went on a split with Elder Crittenden in Paderborn. It was the usual 2 hour train ride out there. When we got out there, we went and helped a member do his home teaching. That was pretty good we talked about pioneers. Afterwards, we went and had dinner and then went to bed. On Tuesday we biked to the University of Paderborn and talked with a potential investigator they had found. We gave her the first lesson and a Book of Mormon. She is taking a theology class and I think she might be interested. She gave us her number and said she would like to meet again, so yeah that was cool. We went and did some doors after that, which was pretty fun. We did college doors, those are the best. We found a guy that couldn’t speak too much German. He is Korean. haha he told us he had no interest but I said komsamnida and onyounghashimnika and he told me how to say good bye but I forget what it is.

Later in the day we went and met with their homeless member in the park. He is a real funny guy and we talked to him about pioneers also. I think it’s the home teaching message this month. Then we went and bought chalk and yes we drew the plan of salvations in the park on a bridge and just in another park on the side walk. It was really fun and hopefully someone goes to mormon.org because of it. After the park, we went and met with another member that is in Paderborn. We read the scriptures with him and he gave us coke and watermelon. I guess it’s what they always do. haha It was fun. 

Wednesday, we got up did personal study and then got on a train to go back to Hagen. We had district meetings and then went and got another Dönner. It was pretty good. We also went to a members house later in the evening for dinner and had ice cream and a good time. Their family just had a son leave on a mission. He went to the Alpine Germany mission. It is part of Germany and Switzerland.

Raw meat and onion donner.

On Thursday, we went to the soup kitchen and Elder Frickey met a guy in the park the day before and we were going to give him a Book of Mormon but he never showed up. After that, we did our studies and then went to a member’s house for dinner. It was Brother Kramer’s son’s house. We had Chinese food and had a good time. We taught him about Alma the younger and how his father was a good example to him. It was a good lesson. 

Friday, we went to Ludenscheid to talk with Draheim. We walked in the door and he said nicht heute. That means not today, so he told us to come back in two weeks. That was the first part to our crappy day. Afterwards, we went and got lunch and I bought a burrito that was way over priced and small. The guy said it was the same as lasagna so I thought it was going to be huge. Then we went to get ice cream while we waiting for a guy and I ordered a cookies milkshake. Somehow, the waitress thought I said a giant glass of milk, I guess, so that’s what I got and to top it off she asked if I wanted whip cream so I naturally said yes. Turns out it cost 70 cents and was really gross. So that kind of made me mad. Then our English class guy named Kassen fell out he never called us back. So we went back home and did weekly planning. Not the most effective day. Elder Frickey thinks it’s hilarious though that I got a huge glass of milk with whipped cream. haha. It was about 3 euro too. 

On Saturday Bro Kramer, being as awesome as he is, took us to the Temple! So today we are only doing emails because that was technically half our P-day. It was awesome though. Everything was in German and super crazy. I wish we could go through when you guys come and get me but it’s going to be closed for 2 years in September. It was a pretty good time. Brother Kramer reminded me of Jared’s dad. While in the session he started asking people if they wanted mints and he asked the Temple worker guy too. It was so funny. Before that, when we were in the changing room, he started asking people if they wanted gum. haha He is awesome. So yeah Saturday was awesome.

Frankfurt Temple

 

Sunday was a good day. We went to church and there were two Australian girls there so it was good to have some English speakers. Their dad was a missionary here in Hagen a long time ago and so they were visiting with their dad. After church, we went to the Langner’s and had dinner. They had mashed potatoes and just straight liquid butter to dump on top, sour kraut and frikidelen. Basically meat ball things. It was really good, and then we had a lesson with Eve. I think it went pretty well.  We taught about the Prophet and the word of wisdom. After our lesson with Eve, we went to visit a family whose name we found on our GPS last week. We had made an appointment with them and their names are the Niggemeyers.  They had told us to come back Sunday evening so we did and they actually called us to make sure we were coming. I thought it was amazing. So we got there and they had thier 3 kids and their grandparents there. I thought it was going to be super awkward, I don’t like big groups, but it was their son’s birthday so they gave us cake and offered us coffee but we had water. haha Anyways, They all speak super good English and the dad had lived in Utah for a while on an exchange program that he did in the USA.  We talked to them about the church and they said it sounded much better than their church so they said they would have to come and check it out. Hopefully they come and visit church and feel the spirit. They also said that they would talk to their children’s teacher and have us come to the class and teach a bit about what we believe to the class during their world religion study time. So yeah the Niggemeyers are legit. 

So today, we are going by on two referrals we were given. So hopefully that pans out.

It sounds like you all had a good time at the old timer’s thing.  I wish I was there to hear about the history and all that. I like hearing about the history of the Valley. About the whole senior companion thing, they actually said the other day that there are no senior or junior companions anymore. I hope I can train soon I think that would be cool. I heard from Dillon that he has a companion from Nikiski. I have not seen too many castles lately. I think I sent a picture of one way off in the distance I have two more weeks and then we find out if we leave or stay. That’s cool that you are taking care of a dog now Abby.  You are the dog whisperer! (Hund Flusterer) That’s German for dog whisperer. I think I spelled it right. Have fun with Annie out in Seldovia! Yes Abby, your German is right! Du bist ein profi! Viel spaß und habe eine gute woche! 

The ride to Frankfurt

Love you all! 

Devin 

July 13, 2015

Hey guys! 

So this week was pretty good. On Monday we made cookies for our zone training. Then we had a lesson in the park with two Afghanistan ladies. It went pretty good but the one just didn't understand how we are any different from Muslims (which they are). We told her about how we have the priesthood which is the Authority to act in God’s name and that Jesus was not a prophet, He is our Savior. But she didn't get it. Then we got rudely interrupted by a drunk guy and they said they had to go. Then we invited the drunken guy to church and he said he would come but he didn't. Then we went and picked up some Chinese food and went to the Kramer’s today to help him do service. We mowed his lawn and I weed wacked. I got two blisters on my finger from pulling it over. Guess it's been to long since I have started anything. 

 

An office selfie

Tuesday, we had zone training. I saw a kid there that I met through Anderson my last companion and this is his last transfer. It's sad to see him go. For zone training we had some good little talks and then watched Joseph Smith, The Restoration. It was good. Then we got subway and went back to Hagen for English class. We were in Dortmund for zone training. English class went well. I think we are helping Daniel learn a little more English. 

On Wednesday, we had an appointment with Eve again. It went pretty good. She is in a tricky situation, so I don't know when she will be able to get baptized. After teaching Eve, I went to another town on a split with Elder Morris. We went by on a guy who wasn't home and then went to a new member they know. We had a good lesson about being thankful. There is a Mormon message about it that we watched. This guy that we were teaching, however, is such a good inspiration. He receives money every month from the government and he sends it to his family so his sister can go to school. He also didn't take a job because it would keep him from going to church. He is such a great guy. He tells us that he will never beg for food or money because he has two hands and can work. He had a little plate of pennies and he said that is all he had for the month. It made me realize how grateful I am for growing up in such good conditions and with such great parents. There is a lot I have taken for granted in my life, but it makes me realize we should be thankful for everything we have. 

 

Our plan of salvation drawing in the park.

On Thursday, we split back and Elder Frickey and I did studies and went to institute. We met a girl there from Massachusetts. It's weird how many different people you meet on the mission.

Friday, we did our weekly planning and then went to Lüdensheid to do some work. We went and talked with a dude we gave a Book of Mormon to our first week together. He said that he reads it occasionally and enjoys it. He told us we could come back next Friday and tell him a history back ground of the book. I am so happy. He also told us he has a lot of work to do around the house so I told him when he needs help we can come back and help him too and he seemed very surprised and interested. I hope he calls us. I love doing service. 

So Saturday we went to Burger King for lunch. Yes they have those in Germany. Then we went by on less actives and didn't see too much success.  One lady told us to come back by though which is awesome. Then we were headed to Brother Kramer’s because he has us over every Saturday and we had some time afterwards so we went by on a family called Niggemeyer. We rang the door bell and the guy answered, recognized us and told us that he would have time to meet on Sunday next week. We literally said nothing and he made an appointment. Haha. It was awesome. So we have a bit to do next week. Also, on Sunday we had a guy named Mathias show up. He was a referral from another area. He seemed to enjoy it and he had brought a friend with him. Hopefully they will come next week. Then we got invited over to Brother Kramer’s son’s house for lunch. He is less active.  He fed us ribs and potatoes. It was good. He is a good kid and he told us that he doesn't know why but he always feels good after he talks to us. I am glad that we can be doing the Lords work. It is so much fun.

 

Elder Crittenden with our drawing

So our mini missionary was from Mülheim his parents are members and he likes soccer. That's pretty much all I got out of him. I heard you guys are planning on taking family pictures at the cabin. Are you going to get a cut out me and include me? Yes, we do have three meetings here, first Priesthood, then Sunday School and then Sacrament. I understand a lot better in Sacrament. One kid gave a talk on the gospel of Jesus Christ and this was his first Sunday at church after his mission. Then our bishop got up and gave a talk about how cell phones are good for scriptures and stuff but we shouldn't be using them in the sacrament. There are a lot of people who use them so he was getting a little mad about it.  I have no clue how long I am going to be in Hagen or with Elder Frickey. We find out in two more weeks.

I love you all so much have a good week! 

Devin

July 6, 2015

Hey family!

This week we had our mini missionary as I told you! He is 16 and is from Mülheim and his name is Yannick Schwarte. He was really quiet but pretty cool.   Monday we went and did shopping and all that, then we went to the park and played soccer. That was fun. Some little Turkish kids came over and tried playing football with us. I bought an American football and it was too big for the kid’s hands. It's kind of sad how many kids here can't catch and throw. Haha.  We were at the church on Monday too and Brother Kramer showed up with some other guy and they were having a root beer deal. They went out to the parking lot and this guy had 148 cans of root beer he loaded into Brother Kramer’s car and then Brother Kramer paid him and they left. Haha. It was hilarious.

Elder Frickey and Elder Schwarte and me
out doing doors

Then on Tuesday we did our studies and then did some doors before we went to an appointment we had set up with Eve. Not too many people answered their doors and lots were not interested, but it was good. Then we went and taught Eve about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  It was really good and we had our mini missionary talk some too. After our appointment, we came back and made another corner board for the street. It was the same as last time minus the answer on the bottom that the random guy added haha. We met some black people, who spoke English, while doing our street board. It was really good. And we invited them to church. Hopefully they will come.

On Wednesday, we had district meetings and then Brother Kramer showed up and bought us Asian food.  Then after that we had a split. I had a missionary who has only been in Germany for a week and Yannick Schwarte. So I was completely in charge and we had to travel an hour to a member’s house for dinner. Got there perfect timing and we had dinner with them and shared a lesson. It was super good and fun. They are cool members. They are the Shadowski's.  After dinner, we got back to town and did some contacting. The new missionary Elder Flickinger was good at that. He was brand new so he would just say "es tut mir leid.  Wir sind Missionare von der Kirche Jesu Christi und wir teilen ein Botschaft über Jesus Christus." It was really funny because es tut mir leid, as mom knows, means I’m sorry. Haha he meant to say Entschuldigung which means excuse me. Anyways, we have an appointment today with a lady from Afghanistan so I guess it worked haha.  

On Thursday, we went to the soup kitchen and had a good time cutting meat. It was the first of the month so no one was there because they all got their government money. Then we did our studies and then we went to Dortmund for institute. That was good except I get the times confused and so we showed up 2 hours early. Darn military time! Oh and while we were at the soup kitchen a guy called us and asked if he could come by the church. So we met him and gave him a tour and a Book of Mormon. It was awesome. He is from Nigeria. So after institute, we came home and went to bed.

Cutting Vegetables at the soup kitchen

Then Friday we did weekly planning and then we went to the Kramer’s for an early dinner. It was good we had Yannick teach the lesson and it was super short but good. Then Brother Kramer’s wife and son showed up and brought a less active with them, so we ended up staying the whole rest of the day talking with them. It was good to get to know Brother Kramer’s wife a little better. She is funny and nice.

Saturday we went to Dortmund and played basketball and oh yeah, it was so hot this week. At Brother Kramer’s I was dying it was so hot. And after we played basketball, I just stayed sweaty until I took a shower at home. It was blazing. So after I kicked butt at basketball, we had a closing meeting for Yannicks Schwarte mini mission and then we went back to Hagen. Then we called people we needed to call, and did our studies. 

On Sunday they decided to have only sacrament because of the heat and lack of AC here. It was funny because on Sunday it was raining and not that hot. Elder Frickey and I had our suit coats on and I think everyone thought we were crazy because we didn't take them off. But it wasn't that hot. There was a guy preparing sacrament and he was just dripping, it was gross. I don't know how he got that sweaty. Haha. So that was a weird Sunday. And while it was going it got super dark outside and thunder was booming and it was just pouring. The new convert lady came to church and she recognized me finally haha.  Well, that was pretty much my week. 

I am glad you guys had a good time at Lake Louise. I didn't know grandma and grandpa and Michelle had never been to chucks new cabin. That's crazy. I am glad chucks family was up there and all the family pretty much. You should send me a video of grandpa and grandma telling stories. It's crazy to think how fast the mission has been flying by. I still have a long time left too. And for your talks, all I can think of is that it is really cool to think that Jesus died for us and he is not just some story book character he is actually resurrected and living. It's hard to grasp that sometimes but I think it is cool.

City Center in Hagen

So the street display we did last week didn't have a board we just had a table with Book of Mormons and other stuff we hand out and that was it. Oh and the balloons. That went good but we haven't heard back from anyone from that display.

Well have a good week everybody I love you all! 

Devin 

June 29, 2105

Hey guys! 

This week was good we went to the Kleinert’s again on Monday and had dinner which was meat balls and potatoes. Then we went and taught a new member the 5th lesson. It was fun and good. We have taught the lady a few times and when I showed up she asked if I was new :( ,but it was all good. Tuesday, we went to a town called Kierspe again to give the Italian dude we talked to last week a Book of Mormon. He was playing a card game with his friends and acted like he had no time. After that, we went back shared a spiritual thought at young men and  young women’s and then grilled with them. They had some darn good bratwursts and things called fackeln. They are delicious. Then on Wednesday, we went and taught a lesson to the lady who can’t read or speak much German. She is from Romania I think and she speaks Hungarian. Then we did some doors with no success. But it was fun. 

Thursday we went to soup kitchen. It was good. What we normally do is get there around 8:30am and cut up meat that she has and then it goes into a soup later. Then we clean and sort vegetables and bread. They have big hard German bread and throw it in plastic crates to hand out. Then we have breakfast with everyone and then it is around 11:30am and we let the big crazy crowd of homeless people in. I go around and give them coffee and water and soup sometimes. They get really impatient sometimes, which is annoying because they are getting free food, but there are some really nice people.  After the soup kitchen, we had an appointment with an investigator but he wasn’t at home. It was funny, we were walking around the city center and we saw him and he was talking to someone so we walked down the street where he lives and pretended to look at stuff in a shop and then popped out when he was walking down the street and caught him. It was a sneak attack haha. Then we went home teaching with a guy from our ward.

 

Elder Frickey and our Mini Missionary

On Friday, we cleaned our apartment because we have a mini missionary.  He got here Sunday and is staying until Saturday! He is sixteen and from Mühlheim.  On Friday, we also had a street display. It went well. Not too many people from the ward showed up but it was good. I passed out a few Book of Mormon’s and balloons that say "Ich bin ein kind Gottes" which means I am a child of God. We did that from 10am till 1pm and then went to Bro Kramer’s and helped his son move apartments. We helped him until 10:30pm at night. It was a long day but really fun. I had to carry a fridge down these crazy German stairs. When they turn the corner the stair is big on the outside and small on the inside, like Kenny and Karen’s old spiral stair case. Then we went to church.  Elder Frickey gave a talk and then we went to Kramer’s for lunch. We had a bunch of meat and I was so stuffed. Then we went to Dortmund to get our mini missionary. So the end of this week has been a little crazy but it is good. The castle from last week was in Altena. It is apparently really old and is closed on Mondays. So we may go visit it sometime on another day. Bro Kramer said that he would take us to the Temple next month! I am super excited! It is closing in September for 2 years which stinks. If you guys can pick me up we wouldn’t be able to go through. :( 

 

Brother Kramer

That’s cool that the less active guy you know is allowing Brother Richardson to come over. I wish it didn’t take him almost dying to realize the church is true. I guess it is hard sometimes though. We did not hear back from the guy we gave the restoration pamphlet too. We went by but no one answered the door. The soup kitchen is good.  The main lady always asks if we have converted anyone yet and I told her 1,000 this week. She didn’t believe me... haha. 

I am here for another six weeks with Elder Frickey. That’s going to be 17 weeks together. Haha...  We have a family in the ward and their son just left on a mission a few weeks ago to the Alpine mission. That is southern Germany and Switzerland. They are a cool family and super nice. We went there for dinner and they gave us a bunch of ice cream. I have a picture of Brother Kramer and his son and I can send it in another email with the Ipad.

All is going good the language is coming along okay. It’s tough learning a new language. I haven’t eaten anything too strange lately. I can’t believe I am almost 7 months done!?! Well have a good week I love you all so much and if you want to send me a package with American food and other neat things, I wouldn’t say no! I am sending you guys one soon! I have it all wrapped up and ready to send! 

Well Love you all! 

Devin 

Panoramic of our apartment

June 22, 2015

This is a 12th century Castle in Kierspe
called Burg Altena

Hey guys!

Wie geht's dir? 

So last week we went to Kramer’s after emails for service. We helped in his lawn picking weeds, and then he bought us some pasta. It was really good. After helping the Kramer’s, we went to a member’s house and had dinner. They made lasagna and we had lasagna the day before too. Haha.  Tuesday, we went on a split and Elder Frickey went to Unna. I stayed in Hagen with Elder Watts. It was good to see him again.  We had an appointment with an old couple from our ward. They are awesome and gave us pasta and stuff and then he gave us the German bible on the IPad because there are no apps for it. Don't know if it's legal but hope it is okay. We had English class with a kid named Daniel, but he is having a hard time with English.

We had district meetings on Wednesday and then Elder Frickey and I went to Kierspe which is another city in our area. It was cool and we found a guy who was kind of interested and gave us a free soda. We met a lady who said her son was interested in religion so we gave him a restoration pamphlet. Hopefully he will read it. On Thursday we went to the soup kitchen again which is always fun, except the people there are crazy haha. After we were done at the soup kitchen, we went by on a lady that Brother Kramer told us to go by and see. We did and she works at this cafe and she gave us apple juice and strawberry cake. It was cool. 

Friday, we went around Hagen on less actives. Saturday we went to the Kramer’s and we helped him make dinner for a missionary coming to visit him and his wife. Then we went to a priesthood meeting and I could understand a lot of what was going on! It was good.

Sunday we went to church and then went to the Langner’s house for dinner. This is the parents of the family whose house we Skyped from on Mother’s Day. They are funny. We have to wear house shoes there and they always feed us meat potatoes gravy and kraut, every time!!  It is great.  Then we taught their son’s girlfriend the first lesson. That was pretty much my week. 

Lenne River in Kierspe

It has been a little rainy here this week.  Our investigator guy didn't answer this week. And the IPads are staying in the mission so we don't have to buy them. That is awesome that the guy in your ward asked for a blessing. It is crazy how people fall away from the church but still know it's true. I am glad the guy is felling better and is talking to the home teacher now. Love you dad, HAPPY FATHERS DAY! 

Love Devin 

June 15, 2015

Hey Family, 

This week has been good. On Monday we went to the Kleinert’s and had dinner and then a lesson. We got home around 8 pm, so we decided to go by on a past investigator and we met him at his door so he invited us in and we got to teach him a little. It was cool. I hope we can help him. 

Tuesday we had a zone conference in Dortmund. I had a good time seeing everyone and at the end we did get IPads. So yes, I am writing to you on one right now.  It was awesome seeing all my old pals from the MTC. Later that night we went on a split to Paderborn.  

Elder Homer and I went to an appointment on Wednesday with a member. She is an old lady who is just in love with us. She gave us some weird soup with bratwurst in it Haha. Then we went and contacted next to this river, I think it is called the Ruhr, and then we got some ice cream out of this sketchy van and then met back up with the other elders to split back. Elder Frickey and I spent some time walking around the college campus to find people but not a soul was there. We then made homemade mac and cheese for dinner and went to bed. 

Thursday we went to the soup kitchen again and cut meat and stuff to put into the pasta soup they were serving that day. It was fun. We went home had lunch and then our studies and then went to Brother Kramer’s because we had an appointment that we had made on Saturday. We had a bunch of meat they had grilled and we played some catch with his son. Don't worry I will try and get some pictures with them today. 

On Friday we weekly planned and then we contacted and looked for areas we could contact in the future. 

Saturday we did studies and had a lesson with the guy from Tuesday and it went pretty well. We read Alma 32 with him. I hope he keeps reading and we can help him with all his problems. 

After that, we went by on potential investigators.  We went to a member’s house from Sri Lanka. It was a good appointment but their food was a little spicy, but delicious. It was some kind of spring rolls and these weird Turkish spinach and meat things.  It was fun.

Sunday we went to church and had dinner with a member family after church. They made super good lasagna. I asked him about work and he has a worse commute than dad does. It is 5.5 hour drive to Nurnberg where grandpa and grandma where and he stays there all week and then drives back Friday night. It is crazy. I am sad I didn't get to see grandma and grandpa and Michelle. It was weird to think they were in the same country as me.  Do you know if they flew over the top of the world? I am pretty sure it was eight from Chicago for us.

Germany has not been too bad on the heat. No one here has air conditioning in their homes and not too many busses have it either. The trains do which is way nice. It hasn't been too hot here though. It's staying pretty cool. I had our English class friend try and pray in English and he said, "God heaven love" then the rest was in German haha. It was funny. Germany's been good the teacher guy never called back. When we taught the Brazilian lady it was good. Her cat was walking around everywhere and everyone was speaking German. It's still such a crazy language. I will try and take more pictures this week! To answer your questions, yes there are a ton of smokers, and Catholics and Evangelistic people. I haven't met too many atheists, however.   One thing that I think kept us a happy family is how you and mom always told us how much you loved us, even though I didn't play basketball and go to the NBA you still tell me you love me haha.  And I think that is important.  I have learned here that love is a big thing in the church. We need to show our love for others. I find it funny when we go to church here, we shake hands with almost every single member and then say goodbye to almost every single one. 

How is the Willow fire looking? Is our place and LaDaSa okay?  Hey Abby, I think my German speaking skills are getting a little better. Hallo wie geht's dir abby. Du bist ein sass Face. Haha ich hoffe du besser spüren werden. That's cool you got to talk about church with your friend. You should invite her sometime or give her a Book of Mormon.

Well that's all I have got for you. Can't wait to see you on Skye at Christmas either! 

Love you lots

Devin

June 8, 2015

Dear Family,

 This week has been kind of slow.  On Tuesday, the day grandma, grandpa and Michelle got to the country; I went to Unna and had a split with Elder Morris. He is from Utah. He and I rode back to Hagen on the train and then we caught a bus out to the other Kleinert’s house and went and had lunch with them and talked to them about Preach My Gospel. It went pretty well. Preach My Gospel is really a good book and you guys should study it with the scriptures. It has a lot of different ways we can better ourselves. Like chapter 6 “Christ like attributes”. I really like that one.

After that we went to the Church and had English class. It went good also. It is hard teaching English to people who don’t know it. After that, Elder Morris and I walked around the city doing some contacting and then went home and had dinner.

The next day we had a district meeting and then went and got Dönners together. Then I went on a split with Elder Strong from Arizona and we went to Ludenscheid, which is in our area, to go by on less actives members. We went by on some different people and met with a guy in an old folk’s type home.  It was super weird and awkward. He didn’t want to talk with us so we kept trying to talk to him and yeah it got super awkward and finally we left and he told us not to come back.  It was kind of sad.

On the way to Ludenscheid, however, I started talking to a guy who is a school teacher in Hagen. He was really cool and I gave him a Book of Mormon. Don’t know if he will read it but I hope so.

Then on Thursday we split back and Elder Frickey and I went to the bishops to talk to him about people in the ward. We call it Gemiko here but I am not sure what the English translation is. We ended up having ice cream and sharing a thought with Bishop and his wife. It was good fun. Then he dropped us off at this park to do contacting along the river. It was way hot and I wanted to go swimming more than ever. It was 34 degrees Celsius. It was boiling hot on Thursday. I think that’s around 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

The View from my window in Hagen

On Friday, we weekly planned and then went to Iserlohn another area we have, to go by on less-active. Then we had another appointment back in Hagen. We waited around a while for our appointment and then we texted him and he told us he forgot.

On Saturday we went to a guy who we had an appointment with but his kid answered and said he wasn’t at home, so we went by on a less active with no luck. Then a member picked us up from the train station and we went to an investigator nearby and had a lesson with her. It went really well and we had a good time. She is a lady from Brazil I think. After the lesson, we went and ate dinner at Kramer’s again and there was a missionary who was here 20 years ago who was visiting. We had a good time and ate steaks.

On Sunday we went to church and a member from Bulgaria showed up. The elders there called us and let us know she was coming. She didn’t speak German or English so we sat next to her and tried to make her feel welcome. She had a friend who spoke German so we could sort of communicate. Then we were going home to do our studies and Brother Kramer asked if we had an appointment for dinner. We told him no, so he invited us and the kids from another family over because their parents were gone. We had a good time and played football with Kramer’s son and a kid named Leon. It was awesome. After dinner, we went home did studies and then went by on a guy who didn’t answer the door and then went to bed. And now I am here emailing you guys. haha. So that was my week!

My goal this week is to read Mathew in the bible. I am a few chapters in but I got to finish it. Yes, kopf is head and Hitler’s book was mein kamp and that means my battle. I love the German people they are all cool and funny. Some are grouchy and mean though. I never get to go to the Temple here. You get to go at the end of your mission but they just said it will be closing this September, until July 2017.  That really stinks.  I don’t know why, but I have really wanted to go to the temple lately. I think maybe I have seen what a huge blessing it is to others and how I kind of take it for granted.  I realized now that our whole purpose in life is to try and be like Jesus and bring others to him. I gave a short lesson in a district meeting that we had and was talking about the missionary purpose and I realized that Alma went around his entire life trying to convert people and how he never really took a break. I realized that when I get home, it’s going be a long time before I die but I shouldn’t quit trying to share the gospel. I kind of thought if this really is the true church and we are saying its true why do we stop being missionaries after our missions. That’s just kind of one thing I got thinking about.

Well I miss you too and Love you guys all very much! Have a good week!

Devin

June 1, 2015

Hey Everyone,

This week has been pretty good. We went to the Kleinert’s again on Monday and had dinner and family home evening. We talked about preach my gospel and had a good time. We had to do our shopping on Tuesday because all the stores were closed on Monday for a holiday. I don’t remember what holiday it was but like I was telling Megan if something is written on the calendar they celebrate it.

We had our English class again this week, but the guy never showed so we went and tried some contacting. Not much happened while we were out. On Wednesday we had district meeting. It was great. I went on a split to Paderborn.  It’s a two hour train ride just to get there.

Train Ride to Paderborn

We went and did some doors and when we got there and I gave out a Book of Mormon to some people. I hope they call us back.  Thursday we split back and then Elder Frickey and I had an appointment with some members. It took a while to get out to the people but we got there and had a delicious dinner of mashed potatoes and some vegetable soup stuff.  It was really good, even though there were vegetables. It reminded me of moms homemade grannies chicken noodle soup!

Friday we had a meeting in Dortmund. I went and did some contacting with a kid.  We picked a bad route and only saw a few people. We had a lesson with a member that didn’t go so well and then another appointment fall out on us. Not such a great day. After that there was a German boy having a mission going away part. He is leaving on the 11th of June and he is going to the Alpine Germany mission. We got to chill there for a bit and listen to the music they had playing. It was mostly American stuff. On Saturday we went to a town called Wetter. It was a cool place and we met an old companion of Elder Frickey’s who was visiting Germany. We said hi for a few minutes and then they left. After that we went to Brother Kramer’s house and had dinner. He fed us burritos. He is in love with Taco Bell and has a Taco Bell tray. He is a funny guy. On Sunday we went to church and oh yeah some lady from Venezuela stopped us on the street on Tuesday and she only spoke Spanish, so we called a Spanish speaking member and asked her to translate. Turns out she is a member and we gave her the church address. She showed up on Sunday and it was the best. When we first met her she kept pointing to the sky and then grabbing her heart. It was cool. After church we went to a members house and had chili and cornbread for lunch. It was delicious.

That’s pretty much all that happened this week.  Thanks for all the prayers. The couple we had lined up for a baptismal dates are not coming to church and are always too busy to meet. It kind of stinks.

Burgers and Fries at the Crittenden's

 

Well have a good week and I love all of you so much!

Devin

May 25, 2015

Hey guys,

So this week we had cleaning checks. We cleaned our apartment and then the Bench’s came and checked out our place. They said it was all good but Sister Bench started trying to fold my clothes because apparently, I folded my pants wrong and she was trying to get my shirts out so she could iron them. We told her we do that in the mornings before we put the shirt on and she finally gave up. haha

On Tuesday we tried going by to visit less actives but no one answered their doors. After that we had English class and that went well. There is a girl here from Utah that’s going to school and she helped us teach. 

Wednesday we went to Unna because Elder Frickey is a district leader so he had to do a baptismal interview for an Unna's investigator. It went really well and then we went to a member’s house for dinner. They had wraps and it was delicious. We then went to Ward Council. It’s called Geminda rat here. 

On Thursday we went to the soup kitchen and gave out soup, coffee and water. It was a lot of fun. Then we went to Bro Kramer’s house and had lunch with him. He gave us Chinese food and then goulash and hash brown things. He always has a lot of food for us. Then we watched some old Joseph Smith movie with him in German and then shared a thought with him and then we went to Institute. Institute was good but our investigator didn’t show up. He is working three jobs and could not make it.

On Friday Brother Bench came back over and fixed stuff in our apartment. He was there for three hours.  We weekly planned and then went to meet an investigator from a long time ago. We showed up but he was stuck in traffic, so he never showed but we are meeting with him next week. 

On Saturday we went to Unna again because they were having a baptism and we were speaking at it and then doing service with them right afterwards. It was great because their investigator showed up and he got baptized! Afterwards, we went and helped a guy paint his house. It was pretty good but we all kind of sucked at painting. 

Sunday we went to church and afterwards we went to a members house for dinner. She had some meat thing called Rolladen, I think.  It was delicious and we had knodel (dumplings) and gravy and rot kohl (red cabbage)and then had a lesson with them. We also got a referral from them. Her son had some girl over and she said she wanted the lessons. And now it’s Monday and I am at the Church emailing you guys, and there is some guy next door sweeping his porch with no pants on. haha

Pant-less man next door

 I am glad that you guys all had a good week four wheeling. That’s good you had Adam helping get everyone out. He needs to build some muscle for snowmachining when I get back. haha  That’s cool your going on splits with the missionaries dad. Maybe you can go flying with the guy. He can teach you how to use the radio. haha  I don’t have any really cool mission experiences to share this week but I have been reading in the Book of Mormon a lot and I really like it. I used to think it was boring but not anymore. We listened to a talk called 17 Points of the True Church and it is a really cool talk. You should listen to it. I am sure Adam has heard it while on his mission. 

I don’t remember Brother Brown. That is cool he served his mission in Frankfurt.  What cities did he serve in? I am going on another split with Elder Watts in a few weeks, I think. We are working on less actives but they live far away and they are never home. We are meeting with Gerardo still which is good. Our area has Hagen, Ludenscheid and Iserlöhn. Germany is good. It’s a little rainy today but it’s good.

Well have a good week! I love you all! 

Devin

May 18, 2015

Hey guys,

This week was good but a little slow. Not much happened. The weather here is alright. It’s warm some days and then others it’s kind of cold. I went on a split this week to Unna and got to drive around in a car with a friend (Elder Watts) from the MTC. Elder Watts and I grilled some bratwurst and bananas on our split.  We went back to Unna Saturday and did some service for some people who were just moving things up stairs. 

Elder Watts and I driving to Unna

 

Yes, I see the Langner’s at church all the time. I don’t know what he does for work. So I don’t know what else to tell you about the Langner’s.  I don’t really know them too well. I know they have four kids, I think. I met three of them and one is on a mission in England, that’s about all I know.

The week has been good but a little boring. No one new to our English class. The guy we invited never showed up. It’s always disappointing when they talk to you and say they will come and still don't show up. We are teaching a Mexican guy named Gerardo. He is awesome. He is already a member but it’s all good.

Grilling bratwurst and bananas in Unna

The city is good. I am meeting a few new people. The ward is pretty good. They invite us over all the time for dinner and stuff. We have a member Brother Kramer and he is real cool. I think I told you about him last week. We go over every Saturday and he is awesome. Nicest guy ever. I really like meeting people here. Some are okay but others are just amazing and super nice. Transfers are on Wednesday we got the call Saturday and everyone in our district is staying. This transfer is only a five week transfer. 

Well love you guys! 

Devin

 

On our way to Unna

May 11, 2015

Dear Family,

That was awesome yesterday! It was so good to see all of you! I told the German family you guys said thanks and they said it was no problem and we are welcome anytime. Also, Elder Frickey was done Skyping he just never came and got me.

The Langner's

I don’t really know what to say this week! On Saturday we went to a member’s house and he had a missionary and his wife over from about 5 years ago. That was really fun talking with them. Afterwards, the member guy’s wife came home and I introduced myself and she did too and then she just said I am inactive. haha  I didn’t know what to say because she seemed really grumpy, but later she started sword fighting Elder Frickey and told him to kill her husband and they could get married. haha. It was super weird but funny.

The language from Jena and Hagen is not too much different they just pronounce stuff is a little different. I haven’t noticed too big a difference. Well I hope you had a good Mother’s Day mom! Go shoot some bunnies or something with your new gun!

Me writing to you

I put a couple pictures in the drop box. Not too much happened this week so I didn’t get too many pictures.

Love Devin