August 3,2015

Hey family!

 I am staying in Hagen and getting a new companion.  His name is Elder Freeland and hopefully he is cool.  Last Monday, we went and played a little basketball in Dortmund with some other Elders. It was pretty fun. On Tuesday I don't remember what we did and I don’t have my old planner with me. This week was pretty good. We haven't had too many lessons but I did go to Dortmund on a split and we had a member appointment. It was a fun time. On Friday night we went to Unna for the transfer call and I made some doughnuts like we used to do at home. We even had lemon juice and powder sugar glaze. They were way good.  This week we went to visit an old lady named Sister Shulta in our ward she is super funny and is in love with me. She is probably about 100 years old. It super funny when we try and share a message with her. She always interrupts and talks about what she wants to talk about. It's super fun at her house though. Also, we had two investigators randomly show up at church. That was way cool.

We haven't had time to go back out to the Italian guy because he lives to far. But we will for sure go by this week.  There is a girl that the Elders in Padderborn are teaching and she is studying theology and she said she doesn't really want to change churches because if she does she can't be a theology teacher. It's funny though because you think if someone really has a testimony they will give up anything.

Well love you all and don't forget to read your scriptures! .  Have a good week!

Devin 

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