Word from Wesel - August 29, 2011

Urlaub – holiday

GML – ward mission leader

You guessed it! I am staying in Wesel for a 6th transfer. Elder T can't stop making jokes about me being in Wesel for eternity. I like it here, but I will admit that whenever I do get transferred that it will be nice to see some new things. You know the donkey statues that you see around everywhere? The city sells smaller ones that you can paint yourself. I think I'm going to get one to celebrate the Wesel-ness of my mission.

You asked about our Serbian lady. Well she still can't speak any English or German... but that's not stopping her. She reads everything we give her several times over and everyone around her talks about how this blue book she is reading makes her cry. She is super receptive to the spirit and wants to get baptized. She's been to church a few times but to be honest I am worried about retention. She needs a relationship with the members, which is difficult to build when you can't communicate with them. Elder T and I are trying to figure out what to do. Sadly, half our ward is in urlaub right now including the branch president and the GML so we can't communicate with either. She is way awesome though. We gave her the Restoration to watch and she said she couldn't understand what they were saying but that she watched it 3 times in a row because she loved the spirit it brought. AWESOME!

So much is happening back home! The family is definitely being blessed. Do you have pictures of the baptism? And happy 30th! Not too many wives would appreciate a macbookpro for their anniversary. I'm blessed to have a mom like that. I don't know what else to say other than there’s lots of changes it sounds like.

It is the end of summer and the approach of fall. This is the time of year I usually get anxious for Christmas. But I think it has intensified on the mission. I may or may not have put up Christmas lights already. Elder T doesn't mind though. We enjoy the Christmas spirit.

I'm sure there is something to tell you that I have forgotten about. As usual there is so much that happens that I don't really know what to write about. I promise I am keeping a journal. Sometimes I have to catch up for a week or two but it still goes. Love you all! Tschüss!

Elder Evan

Word from Wesel - August 22, 2011

Ungefähr - about

8-22-2011

Well my socks and garments are holding up just fine. Thanks for the concern. Actually, I have been quite impressed with those socks. Everyone I know has Goldtoe socks and all of them have holes after just a few months. Mine have none. Thank you Costco Kirkland brand.

Chelsea sent me pics of all the kids and I can't believe how old everyone looks. I feel so left out!

Time IS flying by. Transfer calls on Saturday and next month is just right around the corner. I can't believe it. I will probably stay in Wesel this next transfer. President said he will most likely keep all the Goldens and their trainers together. After that it is totally up in the air. I could bounce having then been in Wesel for about 8 months. Or I could be like Elder F and stay in one area for half my mission. I like Wesel but it would also be nice to see some new things. The thought of not being in Wesel though is weird. I just picture my whole mission being here. So far most of it has been. It does have its advantages.

What will you do without the Free Movies? You've been living off those for ungefähr... 4 years? With a couple of pauses in between. Now it comes to an end. I probably won't go back there. Sorry.

I don't remember that story from A, but that also would have been a long time ago. I have been realizing a lot of things that turn ten by the end of the year. Our house, the Fellowship of the Ring, the Sorcerer's stone, Monster's inc., Smallville, 24... there seems to be a theme here. Makes you feel old though doesn't it? Probably not as old as being married for 30 years... Just kidding! You're not old. Just teasing. Love you all! Have fun! Stay safe! The gospel is true! Live it. Love it. Tschüss!

Elder Evan