Two weeks of emails and photos

Blogger's note: This is the email after we talked with him on Christmas Day

Hey guys.
I know this is going to be annoying for you, but I'm not going to write a lot today. I have a lot on my mind and just need to get out for P-day.

It was good talking to you guys. I have a lot to think about. I can't believe that time has flown by so fast. It actually kinda pains me to have to think about home and make plans. My whole mission I've loved thinking about home and telling stories to anyone that would listen, but now...now my stories have turned into mission memories. I can't picture Arizona in my mind anymore and the pictures are fading. Time is my enemy. I hate to think that this is one war I won't win.

Everything is good. Thanks for the gel mom. Diane is sending me a package soon, you could slip it in there. And your request will be honored.

Let me know how the tests turn out with the Doctor please, mom.
I got to run. It's one of those days.

Loves
Elder ChArnett

December 22nd email:

Parentals.

And here we are. Back at Christmas. I swear it was just yesterday that I was celebrating it last year. This year has gone by so fast. I know it may be kinda cruel, but I'm not going to write much since I'm going to talk to you in three days. Speaking of which, call me at 11 AM your time. There is, I believe, an eight hour time difference and it'll be 7 my time and we should be home by then. I hope that works for you. Call before to make sure it all works. The German Country code is 49. Dial that before the number I gave you last week. Happy Birth-Day mom (no I didn't forget, I even wrote happy bday in my journal!)

This week was kinda annoying. We had all but one appointment fall out and no investigators came to church. Really disappointing. We only taught 3 lessons. Gar. It really makes saddens me when that happens. The people here are just so busy and have so many preparations and things to get done before the three days of Christmas...no time for us. But don't worry mom, we have appointments with members on all three Christmas'. And I mean Heilige Abend (Holy Night/Christmas Eve), normal Christmas (the 25th), and 2nd Christmas (the 26th)! Yea for getting fat! Woot! I don't look like I've gained that much weight since I've been out here, but that's for two reasons, one I've lost almost all muscle I had before the mish, and remember how I was on my death bed right before I left and dropped like 15 lbs? So, from the start of my mission til 'now I've gained a lot, despite losing the muscle. It's been replaced by schnitzel and potatoes and rotkohl. Yea for German food!

The past few days we have been giving many priesthood blessings. I don't really understand why they are all coming to us though. Don't get me wrong, I'm more than happy to do it, it being my duty and all, but the members have just as much right, if not more, to do it instead. We should be ready at every opportunity and so should they.
I had a lot of dreams last night. It was all about the work. I saw how I could do an approach right after Christmas. I really don't know if the dream was inspired, but it helped me. The work right now is really hard. Like I said, people just have no time, and right after Christmas its even harder cause the Christmas season is just past and people have had enough of God. But I'm going to try what I dreamed next week. We'll see how it works out.

Ok, well that's going to do it for me this week. I know its short, but we will talk soon. Butl, I love and miss you two and HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!

Pics,
1. The Elders in Essen and Mulheim. No we are not holding hands. Elder Green goes home on Thursday.

2. Elder Green. My hero.

3) These are most of the guys I came out with. There are 3 Elders missing. They are in the Northern Zones.
4. The sons and grandsons of Elder Lewis. I am the only son left, the rest are grandsons and great-grandsons.

And thats it! I'm out!

LOVES
Elder ChArnett

Schade, Trotzdem and other German words we don't know

Units of Parentaldom,
And I'm back. Thats right, I'm back in all my missionary glory. Ok, maybe not all of it, but most of it. This week was pretty crazy. Lots of cool stuff happened and a lot of cool things that should've happened didn't happen. Do you understand that?
Let me tell you about the highlights of the week. The biggest one was probably Zone Conference. We had it on Thursday. It was so good. It was our Christmas thing. It was all about Christ and there was a special program. I can't explain it but it was so spiritual. The best part was probably when President had us split up in our companionships and pray about who we can invite to be baptised this week. Elder Wood and I withdrew from the group and prayed about it and got our answer. It was such a good ZC. I recieved so much revelation about what to do! It was crazy good. I loved it.
We got in contact with this lady named Barbara this week. We've been trying for ages to get in contact with her and we finally did. We had two really spiritual appointments with her and challenged her to baptism. She said she couldn't commit yet. But her prayer afterwards was amazing. We invited her to church again and she came! She was late, but she came! I was so stoked. I was breaking the bread at the sacrament table when she walked in and the ward said my smile lit up the chapel. I was so happy. She like it and it was just going perfect. We are stopping by a few times this coming week and we'll see what happens.
So that's schade that they can't come and visit me, but ok. I hope they have fun trotzdem. So here's the deal with calling. I don't know when you can call yet. But here is my number.----------------------
So this week is transfer week. I'm staying here. I'll tell you about it when you call. Today we just chilled with the other missionaries and went around Essen. And now we have to run to FHE. Bah. We're just busy all the time. I'm freezing cause we are running around everywhere. Tonight we are playing volleyball. Woot! Wish me luck.
I know this is short and no pictures, but sometimes that's how it's gotta be. I love you guys like crazy though and we'll talk in a week and a half. So, I have to be quiet so we have things to talk about! I miss you and love you!
Elder ChArnett

PARENATL UNITS!

Hey-o. Well then, this past week has been killer. I've got a killer cold, we had some killer appointments and a killer tried to kill me. Think I'm kidding? I'm not. But that just makes it that much better!

This week was just such a good opportunity to get to know the members. We had so many member appointments joined with less-actives and non-members/investigators. We got stuffed with Christmas goodies. I loved them last year, but this year they are tickling my fancy. I think it's mostly cause my taste buds are tainted with this blasted cold! I hope they'll start schmecking me soon! Who knows. But its just been way fun getting to know everyone. We met with this sweet old lady named Oma (Grandma) Fischer. I love her. She's so funny and down to earth despite being over 85.

We had an appointment with Champion this week and talked about the Taufe again. He seemed annoyed this time around. It is a bit disappointing, but we are just going to try and keep contact and wait until he gets back from China to push it again. We feel that if we are too persistent about the Taufe, he might walk away. He likes the social part of the Church, so we'll see. I dunno, I'm not gunna hold out too much hope for it before his trip back home. After he'll have a clearer head. We're gunna try and get him to go to church there. Yes, they have wards in China. Just nothing official. As soon as it opens up there will be 4 stakes. No lie. Crazy huh? You better be praying that it opens up. Follow the prophet people!

Bruder Leis, a man married to a member, is making good progress and we met with him three times this week. Parentals, this ward rocks! They have so many activities and things to do...I just love it! It makes the work that much easier. Schwester Leis has her two year Mitglied mark this Wednesday and we are going to take something to her to say congrats and just to wiggle our way into seeing Bruder Leis. We are at their haus for Heilige Abend. Fortschritt! This man has seen many miracles, we just need to get him to feel that extra 'Umph'. Maybe he'll have a baptismal date as a gift for his wife? Who knows. We're working on it.

Last night we went Christmas caroling. I thought I was going to die. We were driving with this one kid who thought he was cool and drove like a mad man. It was funny at first, but after we almost hit 4 cars I got worried. But it was way good. We got to know so many elderly couples in the ward and at the end we sang to nonmembers. I loved this week. We just were running everywhere. We taught 11 lessons. We count lessons in a weird way, but 11 is a lot. We were 3 short of our goal, but naja.

As clarification, we have not had Zone Conference yet. We have it this Thursday. And transfers are next Thursday. I'll get the packages this week so no worries Mother dearest. I didn't buy a coat, but I got an apartment special from Essen that I use. So ya, I think that's all of your questions.

Father, Yes. Yes to the M & W Trip. They are members, they need to go to church somewhere right? Ha. We'll see how it rolls. I really would be stoked to see them. I could then give Mark my wedding present to Kate. I'm so excited for her. I love that girl so much. I told her that, even though she's going to be married, I'm taking her and her Hubbie on a date when I'm back. To A&W, just like the good ol' days.

All in all, this week has been a good one. I came to a realization. I need to be better. Well I've always known and thought that. But this time is different. What brought this about? Well, secretly, my group hit our 18 month mark on the 6th of December. I remember hearing a spruch at the beginning of my mission. The 18th month mark was what some missionaries referred to as the 'slump day'. The year mark was 'hump day'. The 6th month mark was 'bump day'. My trainer told me that Slump Day needed to be changed to Pump Day. I agree. We don't have much longer and we need to pump as hard as we can to get this work done. I've had a feeling my whole mission that I can't describe. Something that tells me I'm supposed to do something specific. I don't know what it is, but I still have the feeling which means I haven't done it yet. That, combined with a need to learn how to recognize the Lord's voice more accurately, has lead me to Operation:(Re)Consecration. What is it? It's my way of doing what needs to be done. I want to be the best I can be. I want the mission to have changed me. I want to speak about it with the same love that Elder Holland had as he spoke about his. The first step is written on my planner... prove to God that He can trust me. This entails ridding myself of distractions. That's this weeks goal. Get rid of anything and everything that might make me lose the Lords trust. I have to do better. I have to be better. I have to become the me I'm supposed to be!

The mission is at an amazing point. People are having visions and being told where to go and what to say and what not! I wanna jump on the band wagon!

Well, I gotta jump. I love and miss you both a ton. I'll let you know next week what my number is and when to call and all that jazz.

LOVES!

Elder Chadwick Meriweather Jeffrey Arnett III

PS. Enjoy the pics. I like you guys getting them from the Sisters better cause I then don't have to worry about it!

The Advent of Hope or Teaching DAD a lesson

PARENTALS!!!

Well, well, well. I'm doing well. This week was kinda a rough one because Elder Wood and I were both rocked with sickness. It unfortunately took us out of the loop for a couple of days. I really do not like being sick out here. I always feel like its a poor excuse. I don't know if its right, but I sometimes pray to either get better, or to get sicker so I don't feel bad about staying insideIt's kinda weird, but I just hate staying in doors.

Besides that, the week went pretty well, given that many appointments fell out. We only taught 7 lessons this week. We had more planned, but like I just said, many appointments fell out. Champion is a perfect example of this. Three termine fell out with the kid. I don't know what's going on. He was so promising when Elder Duvall was here. But Elder Wood and I think that he's been spending a lot of time with a new Mitbewohnerin. It's ok, we'll find out what's going on and see if we can't help him in some way. Other than that this past week has been getting Gesund and setting up this week. It's packed with appointments and we have about 25 contacts that need to be talked to. I'm so excited. Elder Wood is a great companion and we are about to get some serious good work done.

Tonight we are eating with a part-member family. The Husband isn't a member, but he is making some serious progress. He's been investigating for a long long time now and has seen miracles, he just need to take the leap of faith.

Speaking of faith, that is another lesson I learned this week. Even when we belong to the Church and have made our leaps of faith, we still have to strive to stay in the faith. I've kind of noticed myself slipping a bit with scripture study and reading. I've just been so busy planning for other lessons and running around to get things done that I haven't really had time to study for myself or just read and enjoy the scriptures. I'm in the middle of 'The President Challenge' as I have dubbed it, but set it aside for a few days in order to get everything done that needed to be. I could honestly feel a lack of something. I could still feel the spirit this week, but it was just harder to focus or get personal goals done. I gained a stronger testimony of study. It really is the fuel to the missionary fire. If we don't study and convert ourselves, we will never be able to help with the conversion of others. Study is so important to keeping me personally focused on the task at hand. I love the scriptures. They are litterally a Godsend.

Like I said this week is going to be good. We have a lot planned and I'm excited. We'll see how it plays out. It's time for me to kick it up another notch and charge forward. I want so bad to be a successful missionary. I need to reach my goals!

I've been thinking a lot about a lot of things lately. I have seen and met so many different types of people here on the mission. Happy, sad, suicidal, careless, homosexual, transsexual, angels, demons, wise, and otherwise. The thoughts/questions that most occupies my mind is this: What made this person the person he/she is today? And, how can I help them change for the better?

I have walked in the homes of hundreds of different people from different backgrounds and cultures and lifestyles. All have been looking for something that they are unable to find. At the beginning of my mission I thought that some people were hopeless and waists of time. But now I know that they aren't. They can't be. No one I have met is so far gone that they are hopeless. The Lord God will give another chance. He has to. 2 Nephi 19 through the next few chapters speaks about Israel and how they will fight against each other. But there is a phrase that is repeated again and again. "For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still." That is our phrase of hope. It is for everyone.
Some people who I know and you know can't find a light in themselves. But it is there. There are good things about everyone, we just have to find beauty in different ways. But it is there. Once the light is found, it needs to be fueled. Hope and encouragement needs to be given. Why? Because the Lord will not give up on us as long as we are here. We cannot give up on others. That's what I've learned out here. It is possible for everyone to come back to light. It's sometimes harder for others. But they can come. If there is no desire, they are lying. There is always a desire. We must find the God in everyone. Once found, it is our job to help that part grow until it can sustain itself. It's a hard job. But it's possible. I've seen people overcome things out here like addictions. I've seen a homosexual man be baptised. I've seen drug lords walk away from their lifestyle. I've seen excommunicated members fight to come back to the fold. I know that they have a lot to overcome. Everyone has his own mountain, but everyone needs to be taught the gospel from the beginning -- that God is our heavenly Father and that He loves us.

I love this work. I love being here in Germany. I'm not what I want to be. I need to be better. I need to communicate better. I need to do that what is expected of me. But it all comes back down to desire. It needs to come from within, but others can help me to increase my desire. We are all in this together. I feel that if I give up on someone, I give up on myself. No one is so far gone that they can't ever come back. No one. I have to believe it. If I don't, I might be damned.

A lot is on my mind. I guess its a bit of cabin fever. Staying inside has never been good for me. But, yes Mother, we did have Thanksgiving. Two times sogar. It was fun. For district meeting we cooked a goose and two ducks. I made veggies and other Elders made potatoes and a plethora of other things. It was good. We had it in the kitchen and just talked about what we are thankful for and how thankfulness plays a part in missionary work. I liked the idea. Our district leader sure is an inspired guy. That, or he's selfish.

And alo, Mother, I got the card, thank you.

I miss you both terribly. This past Sunday was the first advent. That means I talk to you in just over 3 weeks. Be Happy! I love you. I miss you. Have hope. Everyone has a chance, even if they've had one before.

LOVES

Elder ChArnett

Blogger's note: Once again, our mostly perfect and diligent son didn't send photos. Thanks this time to Sister Wilson for emailing some photos at our request. The sisters that are now home have really come through for us. Thanks to both of you and keep them coming. You have been very kind to the overly-photo wanting parents of the "Hotdawg in Hamburg". Photos boy, photos! Send them. Also, just as a frame of reference, Chad's message on Hope was a not so subtle sermon to his Father. It was in response to an email he received from a now "Hopeful" Dad. There was a time in his life, when I taught him things.

Additional photos while waiting for the next email

The Kiel District Serving at the Outreach Center.

Four past and future wakeboarders now preaching the gospel.

Elders and Sisters with Outreach Institute members at a get together.

Four past and future wakeboarders now preaching the gospel wishing they had a wakeboard and wishing it was legal to do on a mission.

On a ferry boat during P-day at the Yacht Harbor outside of Kiel.

Thanks to Sister Lynn Durham who recently returned from her mission for providing us with some photos we've never seen. She was kind to provide us with some shots of Chad's time in Kiel during the summer months. For the record, it's okay to ride on ferry's and boats in their mission mainly because there is so much water and in some areas it is the only way to get around easily. Hamburg has more canals and waterways than Venice, Italy and Kiel is the sailing capital of Germany. Chad won't be seeing much ocean during the next few months as he is back down in the southwestern part of Germany again. He was lucky to serve in coastal cities on both the Baltic and North Seas. Now it's back to the cold regions close to the Netherlands and Belgium borders. We also hope to receive additional photos from Sister Wilson who also served in Kiel. Both Sisters went to Germany at the same time as Chad and have completed ther missions. Keep the photos coming sisters. We always knew we could count on the "sisters" to get things done and as all the Arnett neices who have served keep telling us, "sisters" make the best missionaries. While we are at it, an official congrats to Chad's cousin Lexie on her mission call to Washington DC South.

Love Love Loving it!

PARENTALS...
Well it was a good week. I'm loving life! And it's snowing! Woot! I'm like a little kid! We made snowmen Elders with the ward at choir practice last night. I just love the work!
The baptism went great this week. It kinda snuck up on me, but everything ran smoothly and the ward came together to make a really nice program. I kinda got stressed with it all, but the ward is so loving and helpful. I can call anyone and ask for anything and it gets done. I love love love love them all. I want to die here. Elder Duvall baptised Jack and it was all just great. Yesterday I was privileged to stand in the circle as he was being confirmed. All is well! I'm in love with this work!
This week a lot of our district was sick. But it's ok, they are all still tearing it up here in the Ruhrgebiet! There was a bit of number confusion, people not sure what to count as another lesson, but it was promptly cleared up. One area our district is having some troubles is they keep wanting to hang out instead of doing work. It's fun to play together, but we need to get baptisms! I don't have time to mess around all the time! It's all about Work Hard, Play Hard. But, some just want to play hard. It's kinda weird though, cause I'm now actually in a position where I make a difference. So it's just kinda different. But I like it.
Elder Wood was sick on Friday and is still recovering, but he's a champ and pushing through. We are hoping for a baptismal date this week. We have a lot of promising investigators. I'm just lovin this! It's so good. The ward is just killer.
ADDRESS Before I forget.
Heerstr. 8445478

Mülheim Germany
So there is that. I'm sorry that the email this week is short, but I've got no time. We are packed with appointments. We have plans for Thanksgiving and I'll tell you all about it next week. Here are some pics of this past week.
1. Taufe! Woot!2 Snow...
And that's going to do it for me. I love you and miss you tons. I'll talk to Pres. about the Wayne and mark thing, just get me the dates.
Also, somehow I volunteered to play and sing for the ward Christmas party this year. I don't know how it happened. I'm mad.
LOVES
ELDER CHARNETT

Maybe I've been here before....

PARENTALS! HEY-O!
Oh geez. Do you even realize what is happening here? I feel like I'm home. Seriously. But not like home home. Just a missionary home. I love this place. LOVE LOVE LOVE. Now, in actuality, I think going back to Kiel would produce the same affect, cause I really miss that place, but I'm in Ruhrgebiet now. And I'm happy.
It was hard saying goodbye to my friends in Bremerhaven. It's amazing how many friends you can find if you are just willing to love.
I'm like a giddy school girl and haven't been able to calm down for quite a while. Sorry if this email is everywhere.
On Wednesday, I stayed with Elder Ivins and Shupe cause Elder Turvey went to Hamburg to get a Golden. It was fun. I'm really missing Elder Ivins right now. I love that kid so much. Too many good times.
Thursday was hard. I said goodbye to many friends. This group that went home is one of my favorites and I'll miss them all dearly. It was fun saying goodbye, only if it was for the short reunion. But, then it was off to the Ruhrgebiet. I traveled with Elder Hurst and Anderson and Hurst's Golden. Hurst and Anderson are some good friends too and I had a blast during the 10 hours it took to get to Essen. But only to Essen. We got in at 11.30 with a posse of missionaries. Everyone followed me and Hurst. I kinda felt bad cause we barged in on the ZL's but they secretly loved it.

Friday we, meaning Elder Wood my new companion and I, got back to our area and started working. Thanks to Elder Duvall for giving me things to do my first week. It's so nice walking into work. I love it here! Saturday we were back in Essen for an Ausstellung. I love being 30 minutes away from all my friends. I've missed this place so much. I saw some members and was surprised that they remembered me. We talked for a bit and then got lunch and then headed back to Mülheim to a few appointments. Saturday night we chilled with the other Elders who serve in the ward, Elders Harmon and Grieder.

Our ward boundaries are so big that they have split it in two and have two missionary pairs working it. I love the District.
Sunday rolled around and was good. This ward remembered me too which is weird. I worked a lot with the Zone Leaders, but not enough to be remembered. There are a few members who I've met and visited, so we have good contact already. But the Bishop is Bishop Geldermann. I love this man. I've known him forever. You wanna know what he said to me when he saw me at church? Ok. He said, in English, "What the hell are you doing here?!?!" and then gave me a huge bear hug. I love that man and am stoked to be here.
This week should be good. I just found out that I have to get a man named Jack ready for Baptism by this Saturday when he takes the plunge. So we've got a lot to do. I love Elder Wood. He's so funny. I love this place so much. BAH! (which, mother, is not a German word, but rather an onomatopoeia. An outward expression on an inner feeling, if you will.)
Yes the work is cut out for me here. People say hi back to me here. It's cool. I'm just excited for the fun to be had.
Pictures.
1 Sisters going home
2 Goodbyes at Bahnoff
3 Clair Rudi and Bernard
4 Old Bremerhaven District
I'm sorry you two, I don't have much time today.
Mom, I now have two suitcases. One of which broke on the way down here. The ones we bought are crap! The wheel split again. But whatever. I do need my inhaler once in a while, but nothing to bad. I usually forgo using it and just suffer til it stops to teach my body that I won't take anymore of its bull.
Stuff is being mailed home starting with an envelope of letters. Just put it in my room unopened if you would. Dad. I would love love love to see Wayne and Mark. It would be so surreal! I'm down! Just get me dates and what not. I don't know if President will let it fly, but I think if I could set up something with Ronja it would be fine! Just let me know!
I gotta run. We're playing B-Ball in a little here.

I love and miss you both terribly. More info next week when I have more time!

LOVES
Elder ChArnett

A transfer, Christmas clarifications and a Father's lament

Hey-o Parental Units.

So Mülheim it is. Back to the old stomping grounds. Yes, I am transferred. Raise your hand if you love 9 hour train rides! My hand is not raised. But it's a good city. I know it already because it was in my first district when I was in Essen. I was there as a few were baptized into the ward, ate with some of the members, and so forth. It should be good. President called me yesterday to talk to me about it. They had 11 investigators at church last week. I'm going in and replacing an elder who is going home -- Elder Duvall. He was my first zone leader in Zone Neumünster. Good guy. We've served in two of the same areas and worked together once so I know how he operates. When I was working with him we broke into a contacts house. Remember that story? It's a good'en. But I don't want to tell it now. I'm going to be with Elder Wood. Seems cool. He's going into his second transfer. A Re-Go as we call them...Recycled Golden. If they get transferred after their first transfer or their trainer dies (meaning goes home) they get a new trainer and we call them Re-Go's. So I'm pretty much training again. Woot.

I'm district leader to 8 Elders, two of which are Zone Leaders. I've always been DL to ZL's. I don't get it. I'm excited, but exhausted. It's scary, but I feel as if I'm burning out. It's hard to awake desire sometimes. But, its just another thing to learn, and the Ruhrgebiet should help reinvigorate me. I loved it down there. I'll get to be there for Christmas! YES! I got jipped last year. Transferred 2 weeks before Christmas.

Mülheim might be my last area. Weird thought right? But, I think I still got one transfer left in me. Elder Jarvis, my comp in the MTC, is now serving in Bad Bentheim, a car city. He's doing well. Elder Wecker is going Sr. Comp in Hamm. All of the missionaries I came out with, (for the most part) are really close. They are some of my best friends. It's a sobering feeling to have one of the Sisters I came out with going home. She's going now and the other two are going home in 5 weeks. Ugh. That makes me old. I've served with two of the Sisters, Wilson and Grow, and it's crazy that they are done. But it sure is a hoot making fun of them for it. Haha!

Nicholas moved back to America. I just found out and am kinda sad. I think it's the best for him so that's good. But, I was really excited to see him again in Essen. It happened fast, but he says his family needs him and what not. So, I'm more than ok with it. It was just kind of a shock. Yesterday we were at the Fischer Family's house. They are way cool. I got a girlfriend. She's 3. Haha. Just kidding. But she is cute and I loved playing with her the past three months. We stayed at their house just chatting about the ward and the work. We watched a missionary movie and ate dinner too. It was a fun FHE. I haven't had one of those in a while.

As for the rest of the week. It's just been spent with members. I've been working a lot with the Bode Boys. I love those guys. We are at their apartment a lot now-a-days. It's just been fun working here. The past three months have flown by. The friends I made and the things I learned are unparalleled. This area was packed with experiences and lessons to be learned. I'm sad to see it go. This place won an unlikely spot in my heart. I was so depressed about leaving Kiel that I didn't really care about this place. That is to say, at first. It grew and grew on me. It's always hard leaving an area. It always feels like walking away from a field of harvest, sometimes a field untouched. I walked into this area with a lot of seeds in hand. I hope a few will take root.

We met up with two friends of Rudi Bode (one of the Bode boys!) at the church this last week. It was a really fun and good appointment. We did it so that they could see the church and get to know the Mormons. It's crazy, but people still believe strange things about us here. They have no idea who we are or what we do. So I made onion dip and steaks and we played games for a bit until the inevitable questions were asked. Then we got down to business. I love seeing someone's face when they feel something ring true. We pretty much taught all three lessons in that evening. The truth was made known and they felt it. They might be reading this if you post it, so HI VAN UND SASSI! It was a good time. Lots was learned.

I got 2 whole doughnuts out during our appointment with Sister Burde. I was getting so good at sneaking food out. I haven't really gained any weight, but I just feel out of shape and a little fatter in the face. I dunno, probably just cause its getting colder. But I refuse to come home bigger! But knowing the mission, it will probably happen. I haven't been in a bike city yet nor do I think I will be. Sad. NOT!!

We met with Henry Helmke this last week too. The physiotherapist guy who is kinda blind. He was having a hard hard time. His family disowned him when he joined the church and his brother came around after 5 years of not talking just to criticize him again. Henry was freaking out. Elder Turvey and I gave him a blessing. He also needed healing for a wound on the back of his head. I won't go into details, but it was amazing. I don't know how to express it.

I don't really know what else to say. The thing about Elder Micheal Fox in the Ukraine is crazy. One week of pure finding. Like it sounds cool, but that's pretty much all the work is here. Haha pure finding. What did they do with investigators? It'd be cool if I could inspire my district to do that too, but what do you do about the appointments? Make them after 7?

As my time grows short here I've started to notice things I took for granted. I've become absolutely fascinated with light. It is completely amazing. Some parts of the day just bring out color in the world. Light brings warmth and security. It energizes me when I'm cold and wet and walking the streets. It breaks through clouds to show us God's glory. It brings an unavoidable feeling of love. Light is our life force. It is Hope.

I've been taking a lot of photos on P-day lately. Some I've sent to you like the walk to church. I think I might want to take some photography classes this summer, just as a side note. Maybe Chea can see if I have what they call Natural Talent! It's just a fun hobby and has opened up my eyes. Our world in amazing. People are amazing. Animals are amazing. I have been watching people behind the safety of a lens and I see everything in a completely new light. I see it for beauty. It's all about perspective. There is beauty to be found in every area, in every being, in everything. We just have to change our perspective from time to time to catch it in a new light... a pure light, or a dampened light, or sometimes in a depressing light. I don't know how to explain it. But it is amazing.The world is changing. The second harvest is nigh at hand. People are starting to look at the stars again and asking questions that move the soul. They are getting hopeful. It's about hope. Hope for a better world. Hope for a better life. Hope for more knowledge. Hope for salvation. Missionary Work = Hope. We love the Lord because He loved us first. I serve cause I have felt the hope He gave me. It is hope that I try to pass on. He showed me the light.

The thing is, hope is all we have. It's a flame that burns within us. Sometimes that flickers, but it still it's still there. It is the thought or the dream that there could be such a thing as light on dark nights that inspires others to light their own flames. Hope. It's an amazing concept and feeling. It's the one thing that keeps me going.

Pictures to come. I love and miss you both. Have a good week.

Elder Chad Arnett

P.S. It has come to my attention that someone said that I said Christmas is on December 6th, (it was you, FATHER). The fact of the matter is it is not. The 6th is St. Nicholas's day. They still celebrate Christmas on the 25th, and do it better than the Americans, for they push it even until the 26th. Thank you to my friend in Kiel, Jakob Kleine (who has adorable children), for bringing this monstrosity to my attention. A thousand pardons to my German friends.
A Father Responds: More than one person has brought it to my attention that I am an idiot. Several of my ward members here in Arizona, that served in Germany, also corrected me on interpreting Chad's emails wrong. I was reading up on German Christmas traditions online one day and got the mistaken impression that December 6th was as big a day as Christmas. What do I know. On my mission in Australia they didn't even have Santa Claus, it was Father Christmas. So, I offer more than a thousand pardons to Elder Arnett's German friends. I offer my apologies by wishing that, "all your arrows fly straight and the feathers fall to tickle your fancy". Try translating that into German, Chad. Incidentally, I am a former newpaper editor and have a really bad habit of editing everything to shorten it, much to my son's chagrin.

Hoping for a White Christmas

Dearest Parental Units.

Well once again, the week has flown by. I'm still a bit disappointed with the results of the work, but sometimes it just happens. We have no influence when it comes down to the decision making of other individuals. It's kind of depressing, but an integral part of the Father's plan.

A few new and interesting experiences this week. I most definitely learned a lot, yet again. It's been a common theme the past few weeks.

Zone Conference, as usual, was inspiring and uplifting. Sister Thompson's theme was amazing and exactly what I needed. Funny how that always seems to work out. It was good getting together with everyone and just feeling the Spirit. I loved how it was so spiritual but fun and energizing. Exactly how it should be, meine Meinung nach!

After ZC, I had the opportunity to interview Audra for baptism. Audra is a lady that the Sisters in Bremen have been teaching. It was kinda a sketchy situation, but it all worked out in the end. I'm just glad I interviewed her after Zone Conference. The spirit was strong. It was the first time I've interviewed on my mission, or period for that matter, and it was a sobering experience. During the closing prayer, I realized that, at that moment, I stood between this woman and Eternal Life. I felt of the seriousness and the joy of baptism as I pronounced her ready to make the sacred covenants. It was a moment that I won't soon forget.

This week we called the lady who we found on the bahn. I talked to her husband and as I introduced myself, he got really excited and said that his wife told him all about us. They have two children and want us over for dinner. It was an amazing conversation and just filled me with hope. We will call again this week to set up an appointment. Huzzah!

Those were probably the high points of the week. We did get attacked by a drunk man, but that's why we love Germany! He was on a bike and we sparred for about 35 minutes verbally, and after that you don't want to know what he did to us!

On Friday, I snuck out about half of the Sister Burde meal! I'm so proud of myself! I didn't die because of sugar! Woot!

We tried really hard to get a baptismal date by the end of October. I'm sorry we didn't accomplish it. But the effort changed me. I want to be and do better. It's been a slow, but steady transformation and one that I'm grateful for. I love the idea of a white Christmas, and I dedicate myself now and fully to this goal. The white Christmas is the goal for the mission that the every city has a baptismal date by Christmas, hence the white Christmas. I love it! Such a good idea!!!I've learned much this transfer. I do not believe I could have learned it in any other situation. I'm so grateful for an amazing companion accompanied by an amazing district.

As we were riding back from Cuxhaven last night, an overwhelming feeling of gratitude swept over me. I was thinking of all the blessings I've received out here. It was sparked because today is Nicholas Garbacz's 1 year member mark. The Lord has blessed me so much during my mission. All of the success I've seen has not come because of me, but rather because the Lord is merciful. I remember when Josè told me in the changing room that I was his savior. Lower-case on purpose. I cried then and I cried yesterday when I thought about it. I love this work. It is the most important thing I could ever do. I'm so grateful for the chance I have to make a difference and the difference it will make in my life.

It's true. Praise the Lord, it's true.

This time next week we'll know if I'm getting transferred or not. I'll keep you updated. I kinda get the feeling that I'm leaving. Why? Because Elder Turvey is ready to go Sr Comp and this companionship is too much fun. Good things can't last three transfers! This is a mission! No Smiling! (of course, I'm not serious). Missions are the most fun you can have. As THE Elder Holland told us when he was here in Hamburg, "If you miss the fun, you miss it all." And now to paraphrase, 'We want you missionaries to have fun. Enjoy yourselves. And baptise while you're at it.' So there. (Missions are fun.)

Well parentals, time is short today. I must go and buy a Jacket. Mom, no worries, you taught me well, and I think with a little ingenuity I can repair my jeans. I did get the Halloween parcel. Thank you very much.

I will try to send a few pictures in a different email. Also, last night we were with Bremen, and we recorded our talk. It somewhere around 45 minutes, so don't listen if you don't have time. It's random. But I love you. I'll send it in a different email. On this email I will attach a song I sang with Ivins on the guitar gettting ready for our White Christmas. Remember Christmas here is really December 6th. Don't make fun of my voice. I know I'm bad. But enjoy. It's about a month off and I'm not professional, but whatever.

Ok that's gunna do it for me this week. We're running out of time... Sorry!

LOVES!!!

Elder ChArnett

Photos, Photos, Lessons learned

Parentals.

All I can say for this week is, Bah. I think there were some very big lessons to be learned, and I'm still working through them. But as far as the week went work wise...absolutely everything fell out. Everything. We didn't have the chance to teach one sit down lesson. Not with members or investigators! 8 termine (appointments)! It was crazy. Yes, it does get me down, but at the same time, it's not the first time that appointments have fallen out, nor will it be the last. I think the Lord was trying to teach me/us something very special.

The thing is I feel like I've never wanted something so bad as this TaufTermin (Baptism Date) by the end of the month. We have been working really hard to find and teach the elect. We are getting contacts and setting up appointments, but they just aren't there or they call before hand and say that they are no longer interested or that they can't meet with us for one reason or another (in the case of the lady who said God is her best friend, her husband is against churches and doesn't believe in Christ). It's frustrating, but I know that we have to be majorly blessed soon. Or at least I hope.

I'm trying to learn about blessings. I think this is the lesson to be learned. That and tender mercies. It seems to be that when we least deserve blessings they come and when we work hard for them, there seems to be a lack of them. It all comes in the Lord's time. Now this may all be due to our limited and imperfect perspective, but I also think it may be a wake up call of sorts. For example, some days are more productive than others. Some days we are trying our hardest to find someone who will listen, but it just doesn't work. No contacts, no lessons, nothing. But then there are other days when we ride a bus or a bahn somewhere, whether it be a members house or just to go by on a former investigator or something, and are doing nothing but sitting there, when a new contact is found. I think in those instances the Lord is saying, "Hey! There are people everywhere! Stop day-dreaming and do something productive!"

But I don't know. The scripture says, "for there is a law irrevocably decreed in heaven on which all blessings are predicated". According to this, my thought process says that being on the street talking to as many as possible would produce more results as just catching a ride somewhere. But maybe the law is broader than I imagined. I don't know. I wish I did. I think that once we realize how it is we receive the blessing we need, we then realize what we have to do in order to earn them. But the other side of this is tender mercies. Angenommen, all that the Lord gives us as missionaries can be considered a tender mercy. But sometimes it's just hard and we are so down and depressed and in the pit of sorrow and no longer want to fight our way out. Just in that very moment, a contact is found, or a lesson is taught, or something of significance happens that again lifts us. As I once heard said, "Faith isn't faith until you have nothing left to give". Maybe our faith is stronger than we ever thought imaginable. Maybe there is a spark deep down within us that we don't even realize. And maybe it's that spark that allows the Lord to ignite new hope. When we have nothing else to give, that small spark is more visible in contrast to the darkness. It's like a coal that's removed from a hot fire. At mid-day or high-noon the coal appears normal or white, one cannot see the glowing heat that is hidden beneath the layer of charred ash. However, in comparison, during the dense darkness of the midnight hours, the coal glows red despite all that covers it, the light of day is past and the coal is free to glow against the darkness. Sometimes our faith is more visible because of the darkness that surrounds us, so are the guiding lights, a.k.a. blessings. During the day, (when everything is going great) it may be hard to discern the lights that truly lift us, even though they are still there.

But I'm still trying to work through it...I really just don't know the answer. There are so many different variables and so many different ways of looking at it. I mean one way is that the Lord is so anxious to bless us that when we keep even the smallest part of the law we are blessed, but at the same time, it seems that when we are trying our hardest, nothing comes. But I also think it has something to do with balance. If we look at the Gospel of Christ, that is exactly what is always taught. There is a season for everything. We are to be physically fit, but not put our trust in the arm of the flesh. We are to care for our fellow man, but only after everything in our own house is in order. It's all about balances and finding the true balance is the key to happiness. The one thing to keep in mind is that the only way to true happiness is through the Lord Jesus Christ. He showed the way. We are to follow.

I dunno this week was rough. There is no other way to put it.

Dad, interesting proposal with the 12 Nephite Apostles and whether or not they were more or less important than those in Jerusalem. I personally think the answer is obvious. Christ also said that he was to visit other peoples and nations, and knowing that Christ hasn't changed, doesn't change, nor will ever change, I imagine that he did the same as he did on the two continents from which we have records. Why? Because they didn't have satellites that could transmit the words of one Prophet across the world to every nation. We know that new scripture will be revealed before the coming of Christ. It wouldn't surprise me if it was during the time of the BoM or Bible. It doesn't mean that whoever wrote it wasn't a prophet. They just had no way of communicating with the other Prophets at the time. But that's only my opinion. I've been known before to be wrong. It could be that I am again here.

Mother dearest, no I haven't received any parcels or packages or letters. Sorry. Did you send them to my apartment or to the mission office? If it is mission office, I remind you I will only receive them every 6 weeks, if the couples who work in there do not forget. They are, however, prone to do just that.

Also, I don't know if sending me new jeans would be the best idea, cause I know how much jeans cost. Maybe if its an old pair then ok. But I also have to think about room to put things..Which brings me to the jacket. The old one just did not keep me warm. It's annoying. Rule number one to buying things for the cold: Don't do it in Arizona. Yes, I want jeans and a jacket, but at the same time I dunno. What color is the jacket? Brown and lime green right? Hm.. I want to say yes, but I don't know. You and Dad talk it over and decide. I love E. Turvey too. Transfers are November 14th or something like that. I don't know for sure.

Pictures!

1. The Council photo shoot.

2. Me studying and waiting for a train.

I'll send more in another email, cause otherwise it'll be too big.

I don't have much more to say. The week was hard. Next week is Zone Conference and should be good.

I love and miss you both.

Elder ChArnett

Magic Mailbox, Duct Tape and scary CTR rings

PARENTALS!!

Well, yes. It's that time of the week again. Time for me to spill my soul to the beings who gave me life. Consequently, those beings who gave me life are way too proud of me and will share this letter with loved ones via "The World Wide Web". So my greetings to all who may be reading the words of this, Elder Chad Jeffrey Arnett. Welcome to my life.

Well it was another week and they just don't slow down. Monday started out calling me to Hamburg for P-day. I went up there with my trusty sidekick, aka. companion, Elder Zachary Paul Turvey. The Zone Leaders also accompanied me. Why you ask? Well, I was to meet up with some people from my days in Kiel., and the Zone Leaders from Neümunster. Unfortunately, it turned out that way too many missionaries found out that we were going to be in Hamburg with this little posse. You see, the missionaries love both groups of ZL's. So companionship after companionship showed up. It became a big deal and just down right overwhelmed us. But, the small aforementioned small group snuck away and "did lunch". So all was well. Except for one small problem. My pants ripped. In the front left leg. Problem? Potentially, but I'm Chad Jeffrey Arnett, and being the son of a very crafty man, decided to get crafty myself and fix it with Duct-tape. But it only held for a while. So, being the son of a very Home Economical woman, I gave them to a girl to sew. A beautiful mix between craft and home economics. I'm so my parents child. Sadly, it only held until I got home. I now am dealing with the problem of not having jeans to wear on P-days.

Tuesday we had district meeting. That means for me that I have to plan and lead it. Kind of cool, but at the same time full of pressure. I'm always afraid that they are so boring or not spiritual enough. I try to address issues that the district needs addressed though and I try to get us to practice certain things about teaching as to get better. It's always refreshing to get together with the whole district, however. A nice little lift from the everday grind. After District Meeting, we went out to a restaurant to eat schnitzel! Woot! German food! Twas good, thank you for asking. Then Turvey and I mosie'd on back to B-town. We had another appointment with the Da Silveira Family. But they weren't at home! And we haven't been able to get in contact since... Yes, I am sad. I think devastated is a more accurate description. We have been working to get a baptismal date by the end of the month and they were the closest ones to being ready. President Thompson gave a challenge to have every companionship have a person on date by the end of October. Now it's literally going to take a miracle. Please, everyone in the reach of my words, pray for us. Pray that the Lord will soften someone's heart and that they'll be ready to accept the challenge of baptism. Pray that we find the ones who are ready. Pray that we get it before the end of October. Please. Just pray.

Wednesday was one of those days. We had nothing planned as far as appointments go, so we decided to visit a lot of former investigators and less-active members. Sometime the Formers are a gold mine, so I thought, "Yea, why not?" We didn't get in one door, and half the addresses were wrong. But we did find a contact, which breaks a 5 week streak of not getting anyone's information. Is that a depressing piece of info? Yes it is. It's so hard having a good outlook on life and your personal abilities as a missionary when you cannot get anyone's contact info. It has drained me and drained me and drained me some more. I dreaded hitting the streets. But finally, we got someone's info and set up an appointment for Saturday. He's been schooled by the J-Dub's for a while now, but whatever, we'll take it.

Thursday was pretty much the same thing as Wednesday. Just going by on people and trying to find someone to teach. This time around we actually got a door opened up to us and told to come back at a later time because the Notarzt was coming. The emergency doctor. Yea, hope everything is ok over there, cause we need someone to get baptized! But we found two more contacts on this day and were starting to have a good time. We also had an appointment with this semi-inactive member by the name of Henry Helmke. I love this man. He's actually has a Physical Therapy and Massage Therapy Clinic. Kinda cool considering he's blind. He's been in Turkey for the past 10 days or so, and we've missed him. But he spent over 60 Euro on Elder Turvey and I. He bought us some seriously killer shirts. I love that guy. We understand ourselves very well. That was a poorly constructed sentence because it was German. Sorry. I'm trying really hard to have good English when I write. It hurts my head...

Then Friday rolled around. Do you know what Friday means? It means I wake up in fear. Why? Because of a sweet little old lady by the name of Sister Burde. What is it about this lady that scares the CTR ring off of me? One little sentence, "Alles muss aufgegessen werden!" (Shudder) Translated meaning, "Everything must be eaten!" But here's the thing, in English it's kind of a joke. In German, its a command. And the problem is that this woman gives us so much food. I've never, ever, in my entire life been afraid of a meal time. I can honestly now say that I am. Every Friday morning we go shopping with this dear, sweet Sister. She also buys us a lot of food, for which we are grateful. But the problem is that before we get back to her house, we always stop by at a bakery. She buys us so many sweets. It's all just sweet. So much sugar. So much in fact that I am afraid that I might develop Diabetes. And I'm not lying, for it doesn't just stop at breakfast. Oh, no. Every other week, it extends to dinner. And that's even worse. We get stuffed to the point of exploding. And the worst part is that as soon as we have recovered from the sugar crash, it's time to go back to her house for food. Now what's a poor little boy to do? Good question. Some mornings I take a bag, and stuff it with half eaten bakery items that are on my plate. Sometimes I put them in my socks. Sometimes my pockets. Man, I thought people only joked about this part of the mission.
But another really cool thing happened on Friday. We talked to a lady on the street and here is how the conversation went:

Elder Arnett- Hi! Excuse me! My colleague and I are going around for our church today and asking people questions about Faith and God.

Lady- Uh-huh.

Elder Arnett- So...If I may ask, what are your thoughts about God?

Lady- My personal thoughts?

Elder Arnett- Yep, or your opinion.

Lady- He's my best-friend.

Elder Arnett- said nothing and looked confused.

Lady- Are you ok?

Elder Arnett- Yea. I'm sorry, it's just not everyday that I get an answer like that and I wanted to enjoy it...The conversation then continued on to talking about the Book of Mormon and how we can communicate with God. When she said God was her best friend I had no idea what to say. That is the best answer I have ever ever ever gotten. I was so taken aback. I've role played almost every other kind of situation, but I've never thought that I'd get that answer. I mean I'm in a place where when we ask if people if they believe in God, they say 'No! I'm Catholic!' No joke, that is the actual answer I and other Elders have gotten out here. But anyway, we have our first appointment with her tomorrow. I hope she shows up. It's at the church. But the moral of the story is this; God keeps putting people in our path! It's so cool. I've gone so long without this kind of success. We were having baptisms in Kiel, but talking to people on the street has always been really hard for me. Well the talking part is easy, getting information is hard. And a lot of the people just ignore us when we try to stop them. Ugh. But lately it's been getting better. So, HUZZAH!

Saturday I woke up feeling like sick. My stomach was so upset. I was dying. Thank you Sister Burde! But I got up and rolled outta bed and got ready for our appointment with the J-Dub guy. But he wasn't there and I was ticked. We have been getting a lot of good stuff done, but so much has been falling out. I don't write about it cause I get really frustrated, but just know that pretty much everything lately has been falling out. Grrr. But then Saturday just fell apart. The next appointment we had was at 18.00 and also fell out. Well kind of. We made a BoM drop and then got chased out. But whatevs.

Sunday I gave a talk. Again. I've been asked to speak so much here. It's flattering, but it also takes its toll. After church we didn't have an eating appointment so Turvey and I went home. I made my patented Cheesy Noodles. Man Germany has some crazy cheeses. I'm not kidding. America has no idea about it's mold. But then Turvey laid down for a sec because he was feeling a bit woozy. I then proceeded to play hymns on the guitar, something I've never tried before. After I got fed up with my horrible playing and singing, I put on some old fashioned BYU Choir who sang me some sweet sweet songs, "Be Still My Soul" being one of them. And man, that got me. Today was the first day in 3 weeks that I have had the chance to take the sacrament. Two weeks ago was General Conference, and last week we had Stake Conference. So, it's been a while. And, as a missionary I could feel it. I don't know how to explain it. But, the combo of the songs and just feeling alone. It was a good moment that I had alone in the living room. It's hard to describe that spiritual experience, but I had a really good Sunday.

Also, I should mention, it has been raining like crazy lately. It's Northern Germany. It's October. It's getting cold. Very cold. And I have no jacket! My one from last year is worn out. It was a piece of junk. Now, I'm trying to figure out what to do. A lot of the missionaries just have snowboarding/skiing jackets out here cause they are very warm, wind proof and water proof. But I don't know! Bah. But it's my problem and I'll deal with it. Maybe I can make it through winter with the one small jacket I have. Then I can feel like a man and can pull the ol' "Well when I was on my mission..." stuff with my grandkids.

Oh, you remember that one "Master of Galaxy" guy that Elder Ivans and I found in Bremen. Well Ivans and I had an appointment with him and he has had one crazy life. He is a really cool guy though and we love him. But, he had to fight a lot as a kid and he actually caused someone to die while fighting off 5 other kids. Here's a bit of the story. He used to get beat up almost everyday coming home from school by about 5 kids. One day they started beating him up in front of the school and his friend saw and ran to get the teacher. By the time they both got there, this guy had fought off all 5 of them and was banging one of their heads into the ground. He just snapped cause it had been going on for over a year. He started to see red in his eyes this time and it was getting bad. He was also in the hospital after this fight for a long time. It's weird cause this is the most loving guy. He was crying as he told the story. I cried as I heard it. He's been through a lot. We have the chance to help. I love this job.

To my family and friends I want you to know, I do love you. I love everyone who has played a role in my life. But please try to remember, we, the missionaries, are trying. We're not perfect, nor do we pretend to be. But we are trying. I am trying. I've been trying. I'll continue to try. Just love me back and be my friend.

As to your question Dad, I didn't confirm Kim Baumgärtel. She wanted me to, but I wasn't allowed to go back to Kiel. I did, however teach her, committed her to baptism, and was with her until 2 weeks before when I got transferred. Not to mention, she's like my little sister. I've never seen the Atonement change someone as much as it changed her. It was amazing. One of the best experiences of my life.

Mother, here is your question and answer session. First off, I was actually supposed to vote in this election, but my absentee ballet hasn't yet come. Nor do I think It will. So that's that. And why do you think that the country can't stand 4 years of Obama? All I hear is what the Europeans think of him. They love him. Absolutely love him. So ya. I'd like to know. I got a letter from you today with the ward newsletter. Mike Fox is a stud! But other than that I haven't gotten any packages or anything of the sort.

As for Christmas, don't send anything! I don't really need much. Just save the money and let me send stuff home. I need to start cause I only have one suitcase at the moment and way too much junk. I really don't need much. Save the money so I can send stuff home and buy a European suit before I come home. That'll be my Christmas, buying souvenirs and what not. Christmas time is the best time in Germany. It's so cold, but beautiful. And no, I don't know anyone serving in England. Great that Joe is going there though.

As for planning the future, I'll talk to you guy at Christmas and tell you what I'm thinking. Wow, I just looked over the email, I've written a lot. A lot happened last week. Crazy. Today we are heading to Bremen to check out a FreiMarkt. I'm stoked. It's going to be fun. And then me and Ivans are going on exchanges this week. And then District Meeting. Shoot, I have to plan that! It's on Thursday though, so I have a bit. Woot.

So Elder Turvey and I have this thing we call the magic mailbox. We think our mail box is magic. Because we know people are sending us letters. We are so loved, who wouldn't send me a letter? Or him for that matter? I mean he's English. Who doesn't love the British? So we know we are getting letters, but for some reason, every time we check the box, it's empty. We can't imagine that people wouldn't write us, so we think our mailbox is magic. It makes mail disappear! Crazy huh!?!

Well, I think that's about it for me. I'm all out of words. Hope you enjoyed. I love and miss you two. A lot. But the time goes faster and faster with each day. LOVES AND MISSES.

Elder Chadrey

PS. I'm going to try pictures in another email. This one is too big as it is...