Hot Dawg In Hamburg

A homecoming and a farewell.

2009-06-13T22:27:00.000-07:00

Blogger's note: This is the last post on Elder Arnett's blog. He's home now and so we bid farewell to this site. For more info on him text, facebook him or call him. What a ride it has been. Above are some homecoming photos in no particular order.

What to bring back home? Bring You!!!!!!!!

2009-06-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

Dearest Parentals.

Well one more email day to go. I have a few serious questions. What do you want me to bring home of all the stuff. I've got tons of books and that will weigh a lot. I was wondering if I could leave my destroyed clothes here. I'm also wanting to leave a lot of my old white shirts here. I have new ones that I've received here and are nicer and I want to bring them home. Also, I was thinking about bringing my old tracting shoes home as a trophy, but I don't know what you guys think. Also, could we maybe buy me new fitness shoes when I get home, then I don't need to bring mine home, they are kinda kaput or destroyed. Let me know what you think. Thanks for the money mom. I'm hoping to not have to spend that much of it so we'll see. If I don't, then there will be more than enough to by me new fitness shoes.
This last week was Zone conferencce and I gave my final testimony. It was weird. It's just all coming down to an end now. I don't know what else to say. Time is winding down.
I really don't know what to say. Answer my questions please on what to bring back home and whatnot. I love and miss you.
Elder Chad Arnett

Short emails? No problem. 3 weeks and we're live

2009-05-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Rentals,
And another week down. We went to a soccer game this week. It was way fun. We want to try it again next week.
I dont have too much to report. Emails just kinda seem redundant nowadays. Herr Bicego is getting baptized this weekend in Mülheim. Thats cool. I taught him and gave him the baptisimal commitment. So thats pretty sweet. I think we are getting close to a date here too, that will also be cool.
I'm going to withdraw the money from my account today probably. So be ready. Thanks for putting some in there. I love and miss you both. Sorry these emails are going to be short the next three weeks. But I have 3 weeks and then we're live.
Im tired all the time.
Elder Chadrey Arnett
love
Parentals,
Dad, No worries about the phone card, I am coming home in a month, it's really not a big deal. I did have to sit around forever waiting for my comp to get off his 5 and a half hour phone call though. Haha. I'm well and going to get a hair cut right now. Short. I think I'm just going to go bald! Just kidding, Mom. Don't worry. I love and miss you both
Elder Chad Arnett

Official announcement

2009-05-07T21:57:00.000-07:00

Elder Chad Jeffrey Arnett of the Germany Hamburg Mission will be arriving in Phoenix, AZ Friday June 12th at 3:46pm at Terminal 2. He will be welcomed by his mom, dad and any others that wish to go to the airport. That evening he will be receiving friends and family at his home accompanied by his longtime friend and dog Duffy.
Elder Arnett will be giving his homecoming speech Sunday June 14th at 9am at the Pioneer Ward Building on Guadulupe Road between Higley and Greenfield. That evening, the real festivities begin as Chad will begin his transition to "being in the world, but not of the world" with Paco's Salsa and Chips, and other culinary delights. The party will include a special musical tribute for Chad written and performed by his father.
Also, there will be another "Chadfest" this summer celebrating Chad's 21st birthday. (Remember, he went out as an 18-year old and will be returning as a 20-year old.) The date for "Chadfest 2009" has yet to be determined, but those that are on a "need to know" basis will be informed via text messaging, email, telephone, smoke signal and the newest internet medium, "Wrinklespace". "Wrinklespace" is a soon to be invented internet site by Chad's dad which will be a combination of Myspace and Facebook for people over the age of 40.
Oh, who can forget Chadfests 2004 and 2006... the music, the private lake, wakeboarding and tubing, the people, the food, the organ bonfire, the revelry. More of the same is on the way.

4 1/2 weeks and counting

2009-05-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

Parental Units,
Well this week was pretty good. We had quite a few appointments, some were just saying tschüß to investigators like Frau Stanly. She's just too scared to keep commitments and has stopped coming to church. It was a bummer, but it had to happen. I don't have enough time to waste.
Yu and Chen came to church again this week. They left early this time because they were dead tired. Yu's father called them early that morning and they talked forever. But, they enjoyed the fast and testimony meeting and we have an appointment tomorrow at a member's house. The members are really stepping it up now a days. We were at an eating appointment last night and the members expressed gratitude for missionaries that can teach well. They said that word is getting around the ward that the missionaries are really good at teaching and hopefully we can milk some referrals out of it. The members said that when we left the first spiritual thought they were really impressed and felt the spirit. These members have also been on Joint Teaches with us and have seen us in action. I just know that it is really important to earn the trust of the members. We do that in the small ways...just plugging away at the work and inviting the spirit into homes will win us the respect that sometimes lacks.
An inactive member that we are working with also came to church this week. My goal is to bring his pipe home with me as a trophy! He's really funny, but getting old and dying cause he smokes 80 fags a day. It's so bad. I think I've smoked a pack just being in his apartment so much.
Dad, I can indeed write in German, and I like the idea of working for Bob. The question is how much will it pay? I know that everyone took pretty bad hits with this financial crisis. I really like the idea. I was also thinking about trying to be a waiter part-time somewhere for some spending money. So you tell Bob that I can write auf Deutsch and like the idea of working there, although I might need some serious help with learning the computers. But all in all, I'm thinking yes. My other question is what do the hours look like? We'll talk about it on Sunday.
Mother Dearest, yes I'm still thinking about Physical Therapy. In fact, I'm almost positive about it. I really like the idea of everything about it! The only question is if I can actually pull it off. Also mom, what exactly is it that you would like? I want to get you something or a lot of things, but I just don't know what exactly or how much money you want me to spend on it. I also want to get aunt Diane something. She has written me every week and sends me so much stuff. Plus, she won't have a son go on a mission. Which also brings me to Aunt Donna. She's been a silent supporter. You're an wichtigsten so tell me what you want!
That's pretty sweet that BJ and Jameson are gunna be up there! I'm so stoked! That will be way fun. Also, (another argument about the motorcycle) living on campus is only one part of college life ma, and I can guarantee that cousin Mal will not let me have her car. I'll be close enough to walk to school, but to get to the fun parts of Utah and see my mission buddies. Just sayin...think about it. And how am I supposed to get to Candy's house to take piano lessons? Or to anything?! Just sayin...think about it....
And that's gunna do it for me this week. All is well on my side. I don't know when you guys should call yet. We're trying to figure it out cause we will be in Hannover for stake conference on Sunday, so getting home is kinda a problem right now. I'll let you know though. Because I'm a good son.Love and miss you both.
Elder Chadrey Arnett

8 weeks and counting

2009-04-14T21:51:00.000-07:00

Parental Units,

This week has been a doozy. It has been really good actually. We had a lot of really good experiences. On Tuesday we went out to Detmold to visit a contact and drop off a Book of Mormon. We had an appointment set up with her, but she forgot and had Besuch. We gave the book to her and set up a new appointment for Thursday. On said day we went back to Detmold and taught an amazing first. She had a lot of questions and we answered them. It wasn't a normal first, but we followed the spirit and talked. She is extremely solid and we have a new appointment this week. NEW INVESTIGATOR! WOOT! As we walked out of the appointment we both had the feeling that she will, one day, be baptized. We just need to get in within the next 8 weeks!

We also met with the Chinese investigators. It went well. We showed the Restoration and they asked some good questions. They are reading in the Book of Mormon and are trying to understand it! It's so great to see. We have high hopes for them. One doesn't have any Christian background and the other does. We are starting from the beginning. It's fun! It's literally like teaching children and I feel the weight of teaching everything exactly right. It's just what I need right now!

As for me, I'm doing well. My wrist started hurting for some random reason again this week. I think I slept on it...selbe Schuld... I'm just trying to do that which the Lord expects. I'm doing much better in many aspects of my Spiritual life. Not to sound weird, but I'm trying to now make habits that I'll actually be able to keep when I get home. Like 15 minutes in the BOM a day. I just don't think with normal life 3 hours will be schaffable. I am actually really scared to come home. I have a huge list of things to do to keep me out of trouble. Don't worry, dating is NOT on that list mom. I have a lot to do and have a lot of past to fill with good future. I'm proud, to be honest, of that which I've been able to accomplish with the Lords help.

Also I got your and aunt Diane's packages. Thank you.

Mom, also, I sent an email to you about all the classes schon...Did you not get it? I'll send it again. But seriously, thanks for all of the stuff you did for my schooling! I hope you got that email that I sent. I explained a lot of things. And thanks for the camera. Pretty much thanks for life and everything that fills it. I owe you. I'll take care of you when your old and don't know who I am. Promise. I love you.

I have to run. We don't really have PDay today cause the Germans have way to many holidays.

I love and miss you both.

Elder Chadrey

Last Transfer

2009-03-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

Blogger's Note: Chances are this is Chad's last address before he comes home in June. If, as friends and family members you have not taken the opportunity to write him while on is mission, this will be your last chance. His new address is below. Remember family members that as his official blog updater I will be keeping track of those of you that wrote him on his mission. Those that have written him, or will soon do so, will be greatly rewarded with both spiritual and temporal blessings. I may not be in charge of the spiritual blessings, but can you say Shrimp, Chicken and Beef Tacos along with my Frozen Hot Chocolate? I will remember! I will remember! Those that haven't written him or won't, can you say Top Ramen? I will remember!

New Address:
Voltmann Str.122
33619 Bielefeld
Germany
Parentals,
So Frankfurt was pretty cool. It's like Hamburg, but without water and a bit wider streets. It's pretty darn rich down there and there was a noticable change in the dialect. Twas cool. But it was quite hilly. Was really really cool. And we drove fast! Woot. I wont tell you how fast until I get home so you aren't mad at me.
So I have some sort of injury, I'll forward the Dr's email that he sent to me. Yes I am transferred. To Bielefeld! I'm really really excited. There are four Elders in that city. My comp is another Re-Go but really cool guy. As a reminder, Re-Go means just off of his trainer. He's from California and plays VOLLEYBALL. I'm stoked, no joke. Brecheisen is his name. The other two Elders are Stevens and Barrett. Barrett was in my MTC district. I'm pretty excited about the whole ordeal. It's such Gold! Haha! I'm so happy its ridiculous. It is, however, surreal to think that I'm going into my last area. A kid I knew as he just got baptised 2 years ago is going on a mission this Friday. He's in the Mülheimer ward. Mark, he is a stud. He'll do well. But last night I was at his house talking and eating. A lot of the ward was there and a few investigators. We watched The Other Side of Heaven. Man, although the story and place and everything is completely different, it reminded me so much of my mission.
Which brings me to my next point, why can't the mission reset after we learn everything? It took a year for me to finally figure out what I was doing. Why can't the mission then reset? It bugs me. But I've been thinking about it. In the MTC we learn how to apply things when we are missionaries but we can't really apply it yet. Then the mission comes and we apply what we learned in the MTC, but the mission teaches us things that we can't really apply until we are back in the world. Its really kinda annoying how that whole thing works. But it's good I guess. Man, I'm so excited for a new start Bielefeld. I'm gunna turn that city inside out!
So, Jameson is huge now huh? Word, maybe he can help me get into shape. I've actually lost a lot of muscle strength...I haven't been able to work out in 2 months and I'm feeling it. It's a rather depressing feeling.
So, not to get all trunky on you, but what is the situation with me coming home? What's going on I mean? Is school all worked out? I just want to know all the information so I can make a smooth transition when I get home. Can you guys please tell me what you're thinking and how everything will work out. We do need to really buckle down on the planning sessions now...Well, I've been looking around and I think that the world is in some serious trouble. Nothing that we can't handle, but trouble nonetheless. I guess I'm just going to have to get really informed and change the world.
I love and miss you both tons.
Elder ChArnett

Outstanding in his field!

2009-03-09T14:48:00.000-07:00

I guess they hold district meetings in open fields in Germany.

More of the counrtryside of the Ruhrbegeitzisitlskzzzsdkkjtjlkfjltxxxchusshthausch.

The district book club. I wonder if any of these books are on Oprah's reading list?

Blogger's note: Chad is headed to Frankfurt on March 10th to have an MRI on his wrist along with another elder. He will meet there with a specialist and the Church area Doctor.

Dearest Parentals,

This week feels like it was an eternity, but it was a very good eternity. It was a pretty eventful week with many blessings. Definitely one for the journal!As you know from my letter last week, we had quite a few appointments set up. We decided we wanted to make this week our perfect week. And I'd say we did a pretty good job. This week we had 20 appointments set up this week and 15 of them went through. We have 3 new investigators and hopefully we will have 3 more this coming week from people we found last week. Not bad.We had a lot of really great experiences. The best, I'd say, was the baptismal date we set. It was a total miracle. We sat down after a long week and decided to go through the area book to try and set up some appointments. Well this last week we met with a former investigator, Hendrick Bicego, and just started talking. The spirit was there as we asked him what he believed in, why he stopped meeting with the missionaries, usw. He told us he didn't really know why they all stopped meeting that things just kinda slowed down and people were transferred and contact fell out. We talked about the Restoration and Prophets. When we were done we set up appointments three times a week and extended a baptismal commitment, which he accepted! Needless to say, we are now scouring the Area Book for former investigators.The other really great part of the week happened on Tuesday. We were at Plauder Abend at the Familie Unverrichts haus. Its always a good time and very geistig. Well two weeks ag,o we had GMK, and we had next to nothing to present. It was just bad and a culmination of bad weeks and all coming to one point. Bruder Unverricht asked me to say the closing prayer for us. I did. It's not often that I can really open up my heart in prayer. It's really hard for me and takes a lot out of me. True prayer is hard, but on this occasion I was able to share my feelings. The thing was, it wasn't just my feelings, but that of everyone. I'd pause for a thought and would say something that wasn't even my concern, but another Elder's or Bruder Unverricht's. I've never really had that experience in prayer. Anyway, ever since that prayer things have been getting better. The work is progressing and we have a lot to do. Me being the stupid, God forgetting, Natural Man that I am, literally did forget the prayer prayed by all of us, that is until Tuesday night when I was reminded of it. As Bruder Unverricht mentioned it at Plauder Abend, a huge wave of emotion overcame me comprised mostly of gratitude. I said a silent prayer thanking God, and fought back tears. It is absolutely amazing to me how merciful the Lord is to undeserving servants. I love Him and being in his employment.Wedsday was supposed to be a really good day. We had 7 appointments set up. We started out strong with an appointment at noon, but it was all down hill after that. All of the other appointments fell out. We however did keep trying. We were on the streets all day. Elder Hurst was also with us tausching. After he left, Elder Koeven and I decided to go by on a contact that we have had for quite a while but who is never there. It was about 7.30 or 8.00 and we klingeled. We got let in, hiked the stairs (quite excitedly I might add), and talked to a man that we never have seen before. He let us in and we talked for a little bit and ya. He took a BoM and was really cool. His wife, who just had a baby, was our contact. He invited us back and knows a lot about the Mormons because in Nigeria we have a big church that is beautiful. And, in his home town there are tons of Mormons I guess. Love the Africans. But, as he walked out of the room right as he invited us in I looked up and said "I Thank Thee, Lord." It was another tender mercy.This week I've seen His glorious help in more ways than one. I can honestly say that this week we were guided by the Lord. I'm trying hard guys. I just want to be used in the ways that He wants to use me. Whatever it may be. I'm also excited to get my wrist checked out.Its a wonderful life. Talk to you soon.

LOVES AND MISSES

Elder Chadrey

Parentals,
Mother, I have 104 days left, not 3 months.
First off is this we have several appointments this week.
Second is what happened this weekend. After the past few weeks of losing absolutely everything, Elder Koeven and I got fed up. We decided, after reviewing our President Oaks notes at Zone Meeting, we decided to go through the Area Book one more time. So we did. We called many former investigators, and have 11 appointments set up from Monday to Thursday, the first four days this week! As we were calling and setting up all these termins, the only thought I had was, "Wow, why didn't I do this before!" Needless to say, we are STOKED for this coming week.
And the third and last awesome experience is this. I called a contact that my companion and Elder Thoennes received on a tausch last week. The contact however is in the hospital. But as I was talking to the person who answered the phone, a friend of the contact, I told him what it was we were doing and gave a short first on the phone. We have an appointment with him today at 2 to give him (the friend of the contact, who now is a contact himself) a BoM and review the 1st! Yea for the MTC teaching me how to talk on phones! We are meeting him in the Dome, for that I'm not excited. The Domes are the biggest catholic churches in each city.. so ya its going to be an experience. I've been in them before, but not to teach about the true gospel.
To be honest, I'm sick of not baptizing. I want to get a date set up here so bad. I had a renewed desire as I saw the mission get 4 Baptismal Dates in one day. Especially because they were all in Ruhrgebiet. We are going to work our tails off to get one here soon. Before the transfer ends. Because "We can baptize anywhere!"
Yes, I'm going to Frankfurt March 10th. I don't have anymore info until then. Just have to get an MRI. It should be fun driving down though. My comp doesn't get to go with me, but another Elder. He has to get an MRI on his knee.
We have a problem. My camera broke. The display screen is cracked and I can't see anything anymore. I don't know what to do. I want a camera, but I want a good one. Should I wait til I come home and just not take pictures? I can't see what I'm doing so it'd kinda be stupid to keep trying to take them. Tell me what to do. I'll get on again in a few days to see what you guys are thinking. It would probably be cheaper if you bought a camera there and shipped it to me, but you'd have to unpack it first so I won't have to pay taxes. I want a good one for photo and stuff but still kinda compact so I can carry it around with me. Maybe talk to Cameron A or Chea about it? But let me know what you are thinking. And I still want to get a suit. Can I do that?
Mother Dearest. Stop being sick. It's not good for your health. I seriously can't believe you though. You're like the energizer bunny. You go to school everyday and then on the weekends still take care of kids. You absolutely amaze me. You are my motivation. I say if my 29 year old mom can get up at 4.30 everyday, I can get up at 6.30. If she can go and deal with bratty Jr High kids, I can deal with Germans. If she doesn't get a break, why should I? So I thank you mother, for teaching me to Woman Up and Do It. The only thing I lack is woman organs, but come to think of it, so do you. That makes us even. Look at you, giving up everything to make me feel better. I love you Mom. Get better OK? I'm praying for you.
Transfers are in 2 weeks. I have 14 weeks left out here. I don't like it. All the guys I've known my whole mission are getting ready to leave in two or 8 weeks. Ew is all I have to say about that. Ew. And Jameson gets home this week. That is so weird to me. I remember when he left. I ditched a whole week of school to come and play with him. It was a good choice. Dad, give him a big hug for me, OK?
I'm doing well I guess. Just kinda hanging in there. I'm kinda sick again. I need to get unsick so I can stop being sick cause being sick is bad cause it's hard to study and I still have a bit o Jesus the Christ and PMG and the New Testament and PoGP to read. Not to mention the German BoM once and twice in the English. Bah. Time sucks.
Anyways. I've ran out of things to say. I love you guys and miss you. I guess we'll get to talk to each other soon enough. I really wish it was now though. It always seems to be a big comfort to talk to you guys. And I want a big comfort.
Loves,
Elder ChArnett

Fatigue, Karneval and Candy

2009-02-23T20:36:00.000-08:00

Parentals,
Well this week has been a busy one. But it's been good. I can write again finally. I no longer have the soft cast on. Woot! I think my highlight might have been interviewing Adam for baptism. That man was totally ready for the Taufe. It was awesome. He reminded me of Nicholas in so many ways. I can't really explain, but it was really great for me. It was a nice reminder that there are people who are prepared.
I have had a lot on my mind the past while and a lot of discouraging moments. I've been searching for the reason or reasons why. I have come to a few conclusions.
First and foremost, I think this whole wrist thing has gotten me down. I know it is a poor excuse, but it has robbed me of so many things. It is constantly hurting and the therapy is a joke. I can't do anything. When I wake up it's the worst. It always kills and is so stiff. I don't know, I know it's a sorry excuse, but it does kinda take me down a bit. The church Doctor may want me to go to Frankfurt this week to figure it all out. It just hurts and is annoying. Mal schauen.
Second is just the work. We are still getting some contacts here and there, and trying hard, but we are not having much success. That's the only thing that I feel good about it that -- I'm still trying. I want to do good, I want to help people, and sometimes I have to force myself back to do the same things everyday.
To combat the "natural man" I have been doing all I can. Reading Jesus the Christ has actually helped. There was a paragraph in there that really helped me and I think can help many people and missionaries. It reads, "It is not given to the rest of us, not was it given to Jesus, to meet the foe, to fight and overcome in a single encounter, once for all time. The strife between the immortal spirit and the flesh, between the offspring of God on the one hand, the world and the devil on the other, is persistent through life." The statement, true as it is, is a help and a daunting task. I desire to do what is right. I want to be strong. It's just sometimes unnerving to see that it just gets harder.
But I am doing good, but I am tired. Constantly tired. But, I do feel like I am changing so much right now and it's for the better. It's what I want. I want to continue strong. And I'm going to.
Today we walked in a Parade. Its called Karneval and is sponsored by the Catholic Church. Totally awesome. We walked around for 3 hours listening to techno and screaming Ello! to all the German kids and giving them candy and laughing at all the drunk German people and dancing in the streets and having fun. See look, at the photos. People dress up like Halloween.
I'm tired today. The pictures are of today. Woot today!
Love and miss you.
Elder ChArnett

It's a cast not surgery!

2009-02-16T11:23:00.000-08:00

Blogger's note: I changed all the letters to capitals for him and found another photo on the internet of him. We are grateful it's only a cast and he doesn't have to have surgery. Hopefully he will stay out of the way of trains, planes and buses.

Dearest Parental Units.

I cannot type correctly with capitals and all that 'cause of this ****** cast. I can't do anything. Yes, I do have a cast, its annoying, I didnt know how important my right hand was until this week. I've been going to therapy everyday this past week and have to again this coming week.

I put my hand in this big magnetic thing and wait for half an hour. One of the bones in my wrist is dislocated and then swelled up. But other than that it's ok. I'm not too mad. it could've been worse.
This week has been crazy though. We had a zone conference with President Oaks of the Area presidency, it was awesome. I learned alot. Also a member here died this week too and that was sad. I've eaten at her place a lot.

I can't type. I'm sorry. Next weeek I'll write you all about everything.

Loves
Elder Charnett

2009-02-09T21:31:00.000-08:00

Blogger's note: Chad's emails have not been posted for a few weeks because his Father was worried and somewhat "put out" (okay ticked) with his missionary son in Hamburg. It appears he has injured his wrist in some way. We didn't know about it until much after the fact. Just a hint for any future missionaries out there, the last thing parents want to have happen it to find out something two weeks later. Also, they don't want to hear from the church's area doctor and the mission president's wife that he may have broken his wrist and was hit by a train of all things. So, being Chad's overbearing Father, I scolded him. It appears that he has scolded me back and so now I am chillin'. Nevertheless, thanks to the Doctor and Sister Thompson for alleviating any fears Pam and I had. Hopefully, the wrist thing will not be serious. I just wish we had heard about it earlier and he would stay out of the way of trains. Chad sent some photos which accompany his emails and thanks to Elder Josh Lewis I found some other photos of Chad which we didn't have. Those are also included.

February 8th,

PARENTAL UNITS!
And once again the week has flown by leaving me feeling as if I hardly accomplished all that I wanted to, and its not because we're not working, it's because there is just not enough time in the day!
On to more important matters. A ward member is taking me to a doctor here in Mülheim today (Monday) to get an X-Ray, just as the doctor in Frankfurt suggested. So, that is all getting taken care of. So you two can just calm down! And Father Figure, I am offended that you think I wasn't using good judgement. I was waiting for the StrassenBahn/Bus on the platform in the middle of the street. Being a good missionary I was talking to someone with my back turned. I stepped to the side to let a lady pass with a stroller and as I did so my hand was hit. It wasn't hard, it was just bad timing. I moved my hand with it so most of the blow was deflected. It's just that this hurt it more because the day before I fell on it. I think its just too much stress. I can still move it and type and do everything I need to. And its getting checked out. So stop fretting. I'm fine. Sister Thompson called me and chewed me out for not telling you everything, but I swear I did. So there you have it. All is well.
I'm lovin life here. Everything seems to be going my way right now. The ward is really warming up to me and the missionaries in general. They've always loved us, but now I'm starting to feel like a part of the ward. It's a a good feeling. Elder Koeven is great. This transfer is going to be good. Yes he wants to run mornings, hes from St. George. Good worker and chill guy. Chad=Stoked.
Last Monday I went where Hitler walked! That's right. We went to Villa Hügel. If you've ever heard of the Krupp Corporation, that's where the family used to live. Hitler visited there a few times when he took over the company. It was gorgeous there. I loved it. Pictures on the way.
I almost caught a rabbit. I was so close...if only I dove. But I didn't... I'll get him if it's the last think I do.
And that's going to do it for me! I'm fine don't worry.
I love and miss you both terribly!
Elder ChArnett

January 31,

Hey-O!
I just wanted to let you guys know that I'm most likely going to have to get an X-ray this coming week on my wrist. What happened you ask? Well to quote the doctor...
Dear Elder Arnett
Your history of injury is as follows.
On 26 Jan 09 you fell on your right wrist and later in the day it was hit by a bus. Pain has occurred distal to the 5th finger near the ulnar styloid process and crease formed by the palmar ulnocarpal ligament. Initially there was some swellling and bruising, but this is gone. At present there continues to be severe pain. Because there may be a fracture of the styloid process of the Ulna, I believe it prudent to obtain an x-ray with an orthopedist to determine if there is a problem. Immobilization of the wrist, Ice on the region, Ibuprofen 400 - 800 mg every 8 hours may be helpful for the time being.
Please have Sr. Thompson help you make an appointment to see an orthopedic surgeon in your current area of work.
El RK Maddock
Area Medical Advisor
And there you have it. Now given the doctor makes me sound like an idiot, that's pretty much exactly what happened. And my wrist hurts and has been for the past week and a half. I finally decided I should give someone a call about it considering that it hurts horribly to put weight on it or to move it to the right or left. Its still mobile though. Just hurts like the dickens from time to time.
So this email is a heads up. I'm fine. Yes, I kinda did get hit by a moving object, it was a strassenbahn not a bus, the difference, however, is minimal. Merely rails instead of wheels. What happened? Well, I got hit. Ha. There's not much more to say other than that. And yes, I did fall on it earlier. I just kinda fell though, I didn't try to stop myself. Weird to say, but I didn't know I was falling. And then I hit. And it hurt.

Your ever loving son,
Elder Chad Jeffrey Arnett

January 24th,

Parental Units.
A few cool things happened this week. It's been, once again, hard to get into contact with anyone and getting contacts hasn't been my fortè at the moment. We however have been trying. I feel better than I have in a long time. We are making definite effort to plan completely every night and actually follow through with our plans the next day. It's hard not being too flexible, but I've decided that I need to be more disiplined with myself and not get distracted.
The other really cool thing that happened this week. So, because of admitted bad budgeting and the Ruhrgebiet being allaround too cool, the last week of last month found me without money. The same goes for my companion. We were kinda worried about the situation, but, as always, the Lord provided. Since I've been here I think we have had maybe 3 or 4 eating appointments. But this past week we doubled the eating apointments. We had three and an investigator gave us a catfish to eat. I miss fishing...But that's besides the point. I've been reading in D&C and it talks all about how the Lord provides for his servants. That he does.
So transfers. I'm staying and getting a new comp. The Oberhausen Elders are going to be Elder Warnick, who I love, and Elder Ludlow. Mine is Elder Koevin or something like that. Should be good. I'm stoked, I love Elder Warnick. Woot!
And thats about it for me. I wish I had tons to say, but I don't. You tell the Olsen family thanks for the letter and say hi for me and that I'll write as soon as I can. But, today isn't really p-day. Tomorrow we are having a District Activity so we are just emailing right now. We have an appointment at two so I kinda have to hurry it.
Also dad, I made a boring recording of that one song. But its too big to send... Sorry.
I would like to apologize to everyone who I should've written this week but I just am not able to! Next week, I promise!
And thats going to do it! I miss and love you both. Bis den Näscht!
Elder Arnett

Lost and found photos

2009-01-31T18:04:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the marvels of the internet, I was able to grab (okay steal) some photos of Elder Arnett from recently returned Sister Durham's Facebook postings. I know it's wrong to steal, but these are photos we haven't seen before. I humbly ask for forgiveness to all involved. The photos are from his days in Kiel during the summer months. I bet he wishes it was still summer because it's freezing cold in Muheim.

Renovation and Rejuventation

2009-01-30T16:52:00.000-08:00

Units of Parentaldom living in the land of the Valley of the Sun,
Oh yes! This week was so good for me. I don't even know how to explain it. But I'll try. The week started in a dreary way. No one was home or answering their phones or even stopping on the street. It's probably the worst and most annoying feeling in the world. But things turned around for me on Wednesday. I went on a tausch with Elder Thoennes in Essen. It was really good. It rejuvenated me. I also had an extremely awesome spiritual finding experience. We were walking and we crossed the street. I glanced at a door to an apartment complex and thought nothing of it. But at the second glance I had a really weird jump in my stomach. I didn't know what it was and almost walked on. But for one reason or another, I approached the door. As my eyes ran over the klingel box, they caught on a few Chinese names. I pushed the button and waited...and waited...and waited. No answer. So I turned to leave. I stepped of the porch and started walking to Elder Thoennes, but that same, feeling came back. I walked back to the door and my eyes went immediately to a name -- middle row, second from the top. I punched it and we got let in. We hiked the stairs (4th floor) and found the door. As we approached a man appeared covered in dreck from renovation work. We quickly explained who we were and what we were doing. He said he'd love a Book of Mormon and invited us back next week. As we were walking away he mentioned how crazy it was that we showed up when we did. He renovates once or twice in a week and is only there for 3 or 4 hours when he does go there. None of that clicked until I thought about it that night and a huge feeling of gratitude rushed over me. The Lord is amazing.
Anyway, that experience gave me enough energy to carry on the rest of the week. Elder Wood and I were scrambling for lessons and squeezed in 4 on Sunday. The people just aren't home right now for some reason.
But we also set up this week. It's going to be good, I can feel it. And that was my week. I feel really good. I could take on the world right now. I've put my mind completely on the Lord and finally feel like the He trusts me. It's been a hard road to feel like I've earned His trust. Ever since I left Kiel I've felt down. But, the past bit has helped and I'm happy and willing to do whatever needs to be done. Many thanks to my friends which are a huge part in my life. I'm so grateful for the people I've known.
I love and miss you both!
Elder ChArnett

God loves the Arizona Cardinals!

2009-01-19T18:28:00.000-08:00

Above: Pam sent Chad many gifts all tied to scriptures. He had to read each scripture then open the gift. #1 Below: Chad's friend made this picture and sent it to him.
#2 Chad cooking steak #3 Chad finished with all the presents. #4 His Christmas stocking #5 Kung-fu fighting #6 The Bowling boys #7 a Muheim baptism

Parentals!

This week was one for the books. I think I learned more about life, myself, and das Menchen Umgehen this week than the rest of my mission combined. Ok, well maybe that is a big overstatement, but I sure did learn a lot.
I wrote a few weeks ago that I was focusing on my feelings and how to control thoughts and attitudes and all that jazz. I feel like this week was the testing of all that. There were many challenges with ward members and misunderstandings, but I think I passed.
I also learned this week how to knit from the Relief Society! Yea! It takes forever though!
And finally the baptism this weekend was really nice. Oh, by the way we kinda had another baptism. I really didn't do much for this one, it was the Oberhausener's really, but I like her a lot and have been to her house and taught her a bit. She's way cool. I had to give a talk at it and I've never been so nervous in my life. I've given so many talks on my mission, but for some reason this one shook me. But, it went well and was a beautiful service and Sister Rittger is now a strong member of Mülheim! Woot! I'll send you a few pics of it and things we did this week!
So the Arizona Cardnals huh? Weird. It just goes to show, your home is blessed when you go on a mission. God loves Arizona and the Cardinals.
Today we played volleyball. It was AWESOME. Man it felt so good. I haven't had a good workout in a very long time and today was it. It felt so good to get it all out. I've wanted to go running in the morning, but I haven't been able to convince my companion to jump on that bandwagon yet. It's just so dark and dreary at 6.30 in the morning -- or that's his excuse. The night before we're all excited to get up and go, but the morning rolls around and....ya...
And thats gunna do it for me... My week has been good. No real complaints. I'm just excited for transfers on the 5th..

Loves,
Elder ChArnett

Blogger's note: As Elder Arnett's time gets shorter so do his letters. We weren't aware of any upcoming baptisms (although there must have been one). We are grateful for the photos he is sending. Also, a big thank-you to Whitney Craft, one Chad's friends from BYU. She found a way to enhance one of Chad's photos and add a saying to it. Also, because of Facebook, I was able to find a photo of Chad at a ward function practicing kung-fu with a member. It was posted by a a German member in Mulheim or Essen. To his German friends thanks for posting the photos of him. To his American friends thanks for supporting him and reading his blog. It should be noted that Chad is not on Facebook. For a while, Whitney Craft updated his profile and stuff. Then after much pleading I was able to convince Chad to allow me, his paps, to be the official keeper of the the Facebook. I must admit to being totally thrilled with this. I'm able to check up on Chad's friends from high school, BYU and his mission. Pam calls it stalking. I call it A.S.S.ing. No one ever comes to visit our house anymore so it's the only way I have to see what's going on. I've reluctantly come to realize that kids don't come to our house anymore because Chad is not here. Go figure.

Two posts for the price of one!

2009-01-12T13:52:00.000-08:00

District riding the bahn.

Here's to the New Year with Hot German Chocolate!

January 11th

Parental Units,
It is amazing how quickly the week flew by. I actually think the better word is scary. The days are just flying by...
This weekend I was rather sick. It was a downer for sure. But life is getting better.
The past few weeks have been down as far as lessons go, and as much as I'd like to blame it on sickness and the weather, I know that's not an adequate answer. This week I learned that I can control my own attitude more than I thought possible. I'm trying to understand self control and the emotions that are constantly flowing through my mind. It's a weird feeling to try to understand what I'm feeling instead of just feeling it. But, when I understand where the feeling is coming from, maybe then I can suppress or expand it. I don't know just yet, but I've always enjoyed experiments.
And honestly that's it for me. I know its not much, but there isn't really much to talk about this week. I've been sick and the work has been disappointing. There is still snow on the ground. It's kinda stopped bothering me I guess. If I play it right I don't have to be in it all that much. Just get a lot of appointments. That's the key.
Hey let Diane know I got the package please. And it was greatly appreciated.
That's cool about Mark and Wayne. I hope Mark's film does well. Earning a few bucks and getting known is always good.
I really don't know what else to write. I'm fine, just kinda tired. We're going to play wallball today at the church. I'm excited. I haven't done that since the 4th Grade. Woot for childhood!
I'm gunna go. Loves
Elder ChArnett

January 3rd

Dearest Parental Units,
Once again I find my self sitting in an Internet Laden, hearing languages I don't understand, being choked by secondhand smoke, and teaching off-hand lessons while trying to type. Such is the life.
It snowed 5 inches last night. I hate the snow. It's so cold. The only time I like snow is when it is on a mountain and I'm strapped to a board trying to get as much air as I can. Then I can bear it. But not when I'm walking around in it all day.
This past week was pretty good with it being New Years and all. We were in by 6pm, mission rules. But we stayed up til midnight and watched the fireworks. I forgot how crazy it is here. It's like the 2nd World War all over again. It's amazing how dirty the city turns in one night. One day clean, the next, covered with beer bottles and bomb shells. Yea Germany!
Today we already did our P-day Activity. We went bowling as a district and with Dominic, a 16 year old boy who lives in Essen. He just did a mini-mission for a week.
Paps, I need to know what time Wayne needs to be in Berlin. If I have the time that he has to be there, I can figure out a good route. But until that time, I'm kinda at a loss.
Well, leider, I am, once again, at a loss as to what I should share with you.

Paps, I understand what you mean, about the whole lose everyone that writes you and then you'll understand how to focus thing. I hate to admit it, but it's true. Some people are writing me ab und zu but nothing really that takes me away or distracts me. I've learned to control the thoughts. Thats a plus.
I really don't have much to say. I think I need to get some more Vitaman D so I get undepressed about all this stinkin snow!
I do know Celle and I do know President Jensen. He's a pretty funny man and very educated. It's crazy to think that Sister Allen's dad baptised him.
That's all I got for this week. I'm sorry. I've been really crappy at this writing thing the past couple of weeks...My bad. I'll try to get better.
And dad, stop gettin krunk with the old boys. You Tokin Mormon you.
LOVES
Elder ChArnett

Blogger's note: Elder Arnett's dad doesn not get krunk with the old boys. He is referencing something I mentioned in my email to him and that is on my blog. I am the token Mormon, though.

Two weeks of emails and photos

2008-12-29T21:03:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-16T16:15:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-11T19:35:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-02T20:18:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-27T21:08:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-24T11:19:00.001-08:00

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....

2008-11-17T19:58:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-11T21:40:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-03T08:38:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-27T15:11:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

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...

Added photos, no news until Monday (P-day)

2008-10-18T11:19:00.000-07:00

Pam has asked that I post more photos of Elder Arnett on here. Some of these are from the recent past and some from earlier in his mission. Once again, the beauty of a blog is that if you are interested you can check it out, if you are not you are going to hades anyway and we don't want you around. Okay, sorry for the the A.S.S. statement. Seriously, thanks for any interest you show in our son. He is doing extremely well and has been serving as a district leader in two different cities now for over 6 months. He also has been really blessed with success as a missionary in helping to bring people to the waters of baptism. His setting apart blessing by our Stake President Greer has truly come to pass. He blessed him that he would find success and to not get caught up in the European no baptism stigma. We are grateful for his efforts and for your prayers on his behalf. You have truly been helpful in his service to the Lord. Now back to the Arnett Self-Assured Syndrome (A.S.S. for those of you that don't know what that is, means we are cocky and have absolutely no reason to be, yet we still are). Go figure. If you want to help us in this you can join the A.S.S support group on facebook. We really need help. Here are some interesting photos he sent us.

P-day, Stake conference, street contacting

2008-10-13T21:09:00.000-07:00

Oh Parentals. What a week, what a week. Well, if I'm being honest, not that much went down this week. Which is extremely annoying. On monday(PDAY!!woot!), we stayed in Bremerhaven all by our lonesomes so that we could do some serious email-age and just relax. Not to mention that we had an appointment with the Da Silveira family. I don't know if I've told you about these people. If not, then here we go...They are a hilarious family from Africa. Or, to be more correct, the mother, Juilanne Da Silveira, is from Africa. She's been here for 18 years or something like that. She has two daughters. One of which is Autistic. The other's name is Nadja. She's 14. We teach Nadja and Juilanne and it has been a blast. Juilanne can't speak a lick of German, but understands well. She just laughs and laughs, but actually comes up with really good answers to our questions. We just laugh and teach. It's good. Except they only want to meet once a week now. It's good they still want to meet, but it's been hard to get them to make progress. They don't really keep commitments.

On Friday, we had interviews with President. It's where the Zone comes together and we have a meeting and Pres. pulls out a couple of missionaries and just talks to us all one on one. It's a good time and always spiritual. This time around was good, luckily, the President is a man is love and lets us know it. The past while I feel like I'm just complaining a lot. And not changing much. I've been in a slump and I talked to him about it. It helped me, but I still feel stagnant. But the good news is that I trust my Priesthood leaders. Woot.

But the meeting was good. President gave me a cheesecake. It was an object lesson. The whole presentation thing. He just grabbed a big chunk and gave it to me hand in hand. It was funny and the cake tasted good. I love cheesecake. I miss it so bad. It's hard to find a good one here. It was funny. The Zone Leaders did a rap to try to motivate us.

We then stayed the night in Bremen cause there were no trains going back to our city. And it was a good thing that we did stay. There's this Elder, I won't mention his name, but he's having a real rough time. His dad died three weeks before he came out and he's been on anti-depressants. But he was on exchange with Elder Kyle Ivans. I love Elder Ivans. More stories to come. Anyway, we just sat around and let this depressed but ever so numb Elder just talk. It was a really really good talk and I hope it really helped him. I love this Elder though, and we are good friends.

Sunday, yesterday, was Stake Conference. It was in Hamburg, seeing as we are in the Hamburg Stake. To get there on time, Elder Turvey and I had to wake up at 4.30 AM. Not fun. I'm still dead tired. The why will come shortly. During conference, President and Sister Thompson spoke. Also there was a huge group of Americans there and Elder Ivans and I had to translate. It was so hard. I did it once before, but this time around we could barely hear what was being said and they were using old German and it was just crazy. So rough. But we got through it and it turned out well I guess.

Then, after conference was over and I got to see the Lauenburg ward (whom I love greatly), we went back to Bremen with the ZL's. We stayed the night with them cause today we are heading back to Hamburg. Anyway, we decided to make it a real Tausch where I work with one of them. So me and Ivans took off. It was a blast. We taught a lesson to this lady with broken German, we got a contact with this guy who is the 'Master of Galaxy'. No joke, that's his title. He's really cool though and has a cool dog named Milo. I love working with friends like Elder Ivans. Its just fun and natural. We started up so many natural convo's and just had fun, talked the whole way and looked good doing it. We're trying to swing it that he kills me at the end of the mission. Killing means sending me home. And then he comes home 6 weeks later.

And that night, we brought the new Zone Leader into the ONE club. Haha. I love it. Then afterwards me and Elder Ivans made some sweet sweet music. I got my old guitar back from Lauenburg on Sunday. Ivans is good and I was just goofing off, but it sounded really good and we just blow off steam. It's cool. Maybe one day we'll record a jam session for you paps.

So don't worry about the suitcases. I understand. I'll figure something out. I always do. I'm going to have to send stuff home anyway one day, so I might as well do some now, enough so I can fit everything into the bag I have now and one I'll buy. But I'll be real careful with money and stuff. Like I know you guys are going to say that I don't have to worry about it, but how are we doing? I won't worry, but it'll put my mind at ease. Also, I agree dad, the cost of being an EFY counselor would probably exceed the monetary gain. Spiritual, no. But I just had two years of that. I think I'm siding with you on this one.

And that's my week. I gotta run here quick, but I love and miss you two.

LOVES
Elder ChArnett

Third person, number one, Schwerin off an elder

2008-10-06T21:07:00.000-07:00

Parentals.

Well I really don't have much to say this week. It was a pretty crazy fun week though. And then depressing. And then spiritual. In that order. It started out with a ROAD TRIP. Yet again. This time around Elders Dillman, Ivans, Turvey, and Arnett (referring to myself in the 3rd person) drove to a city in the former GDR called Schwerin. Why? Because Elder Dillman was transferred there and was to pick up a new missionary, labeled "Golden's" in the German speaking missions, the next day. It was to be a double transfer and the good and wise Elder Dillman did not want to carry his bags half way across Germany for two days. So we drove it in one. Pictures to come.

This road trip was a good way to end an amazingly fun transfer. Some people come together and there is no "getting to know you" period. Some people just come together and stay together and work together like they have been doing it for ages. That was so with this small band of four (4) Elders. They were so close that they named their group "The Council". They all had code names and three (3) have become followers of the club named "Number One", symbolized by the number one (#1). This club, brought to Europe by Elder Chad Jeffrey Arnett, was formed in a small dorm room in May Hall back in 2006. It has found popularity among the missionaries in the Germany Hamburg Mission and includes such things as secretly holding up the number one when speaking in front of many missionaries. The missionaries who belong to this club and are in attendance then secretly hold up the number one. It is normally done by a touch of the face, faking a scratch or an annoyance of some kind. As aforementioned, the club is spreading rapidly across the mission. Some 30+ missionaries are said to have joined in the past 12 weeks. The club is also in the Dominican Republic, Korea, Taiwan, parts of Texas, Florida, Washington, and according to the female member's loyalty, should still be going strong at BYU.

After the road trip Elders Arnett, Ivans, and Turvey were then in a "dritt". Dritt is a German word for a group of three (3) people. Needless to say, they felt the loss of Elder Dillman whom they had left in Hamburg. But life goes on and change happens. The three (3) strapping young Elders decided to make the best of it. They decided to go to a lounge above a pub. Now before people decide to start accusing these three (3) outstanding missionaries, one should know that they actually had an appointment in this lounge. The appointment went well and the Gospel was discussed over drinks. The investigator thoroughly enjoyed the time together, and the missionaries got some funny looks which will make for good stories in the long run.

After the appointments were had, our heroes slept. They refreshed themselves for the coming day. There was much to do on transfer day. For example, looking good and standing around at the Hannover Haupt Bahnhof, throwing the football back and forth to attract attention to ourselves as Americans who actually know how to catch and throw, and many other things. The unfortunate part of the story is that Elder Arnett was not able to say goodbye to his long time brother-in-arms, Elder Tevin Sautter, who returned home after his two (2) year service. Alas, so is the life of a missionary. Brothers come and brothers go. However, we are forever bonded by our memories.

The week moved on, new companions were found by many Elders, and two (2) of our favorites returned to Bremerhaven, without changes. Depression settled in on them as many things were and were not realized. The things that were realized was that the work is slow, and the members stubborn in this city. Elder Arnett was discouraged and depressed, for he felt as if he could not change what needs to be changed in this city to have the explosion of baptisms that is desired. But then conference rolled around and the force of warriors was inspired to continue fighting, as the always are. Elder Arnett said of the experience, "It's amazing how conference always says what I need to hear." The things the young "Man-Child" was taught by the Spirit of the Lord has strengthened him and helped him to realize what is expected and what he has to do. And thus was the week of Elder Chad Jeffrey Arnett.

Show and Tell. The pictures are of the Baptism of José Humberto Sangurima Barco. One is of the Kiel gang who are in the Number One Club. Many are taken of The Council. Road trip and pictures next to the sign of our destination. And also, watching conference.

Hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did. I love and miss you a lot. I guess I'm doing well considering. But I love and miss you guys a lot.

Like you say dad, time is slipping away. I still have a long while left, but today marks 16 months since I entered the MTC. I do not like that thought at all. But at the same time, I feel it. I'm officially the oldest missionary in my district. I'm older than the Zone Leaders transfer wise. I feel awkward all of a sudden.

Dad, in your next email, please let me know what the blog address is and try to have something up. I really want to see the layout and I'm excited to tell all my friends. Also, Spencer Webster has tried coming by but you aren't home. Get in touch with him.

Mom, no package yet. I'm sure it'll come soon. Thanks for all you do Mother. You keep me going, no lie.

I'm going to go. I miss you both a lot. Thanks for the prayers. We need them.

iloveyou

Loves,
Elder ChArnett

Mission photos

2008-09-01T23:28:00.000-07:00

Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2007 4:37 PMSubject:
DAD!!! Hey dad! Here are some pictures! I hope this works. Turns out we get 30 minutes every pday to do some emails! Crazy huh? Well I’m not gunna lie itis rough here.Ok so I can’t attach pictures. I’m sorry. I really wish I could. I want to sooo bad. I can’t really print them here either. This card thing isn't working at the print place. But it will work in the field. It’s just the mtc puts a lot of restrictions on us ya know? Anyway give this to mom too. I love you both so much. I dont know if you've gotten all my letters? I hope so. It’s been hard. Very hard, but im doing my best. My comp is rough. We don’t click. I can’t understand a word he says… and he’s American. The rest of my comps in my district and zone are pretty cool though. It’s fun at times but real rough some others. I just feel like I should be so much further ahead than I am. I know its stupid and I need to pay my dues but you know me, no patience. I do what I can though.So any way I don’t really know what to say other than I love you Dad and Mom. You mean the world to me. I miss you two so much and I get sick when Ithink about not seeing you for two years!!! I’m so glad I got to talk to you mom! It was great. Wish you were there dad. But oh well, 6 months and you'll get to hear my voice? Well I really do love you.So lets talk volleyball. Haha its been my ticket into the hearts of my zone. We went and played sand volleyball for gym or sport as us Deutchers call it and I was just goofing off and stuff. But then I dug this one kidl ike 8 times and everyone has loved me since! Haha. Its fun here but like I said kinda rough. I hope the spirit helps me soon.We went to the temple today. That was rather cool, going to a different one. Well this is my email address. So get used to it. Send me his updates would ya?...Well I love you two so much. SEND ME TONZ OF LETTERS DANG IT! YOU DONTUNDERSTAND HOW GREAT IT IS TO GET THEM. AND DAD NONE OF THIS I ONLY GOT A LETTER A WEEK CRAP. I WANT LETTERS!!!!!!!!! 2 TIMES A DAY! LOVE FOREVER THE ELDER ARNETT

Sent: Fri 6/22/07 4:24 PM
Hey mom and dad,Well I cant really get pictures right now cause the mtc’s way censored but that’s ok keep them coming. I miss you guys man. I’m sorry I’m so stubborn sometimes but I guess that’s a good thing so I can stand up for what I believe in. I love you so much. I’ll send you a letter soon I just have no time on the internet. I love you so much mom and dad. Thanks for everything. Be ready for when I come home! I’m 2% done! Write me more man! I love hearing from you! I do. So write more! I love hearing about home and tell mom that when she sends my address and stuff don’t send it to everyone, just my good friends. Ok take care of things for me. I love you. And have some faith. So tell mom to calm down and trust k? I love you. chuss!E.ARNETT

Sent: Thu 7/05/07 4:40 pm Mom I love you!
Im sorry that I can’t write too much on here today. I’m so busy. Our schedules are screwed up today. I love you so much mom. I miss you. Tell me what’s going on at home! Im writing you as much as I can. More tapes! I loved it! Thank you so sososososos much!

I love you so much. Don’t forget me mom! I miss you like crazy and I’m so busy Im sorry. I'm halfway through my mtc stay! Crazy! I love you so much and miss you to boot.
Love Chad

Sent: 7/12/07 12:02 pm Hey mom,
Its been a hard week. A lot has been happening.

First off, the German’s coming along. Kinda. We did a street preach and I could say more than I thought so that was pretty cool.

I'm still having a hard time with my comp but we get along now.
_____________ finds out in about an hour if he gets his call changed. Crazy huh! He might not be going to -________! I dunno there really isn’t much to say cause nothing has happened! we lose our oldest distict this week so I’ll be the oldest as of Tuesday! CRAZY!

Mommy I love you so much. Write me good stuff please.
I love you mom.

Talk to you soon.

Chad!

Sent: 7/19/07 2:04 pm
Hey dad. Im gunna try to be on around 1. So be there if you can. If I’m not on by 1: 30 I’ll get on later and write you with another time. Much love paps.Love,Chad
Reynolds is going to Berlin or Frankfurt. I don’t remember. How you doing dad?

I’m starting to sleep again. How’s work? The dogs? Penpen (lacys baby)? I miss mom. My sleeping is off and the pills are making me sick. Things got better. What did the draft turn out like for the suns?
Dad I miss you Reynolds says hi.

I want another tape here!!!!!! And I don’t get dear elders til 6. The language is ok. Its not the greatest but whatever. It helps that I am sleeping. hey i think i have to go so if I don’t reply I’m sorry, I love you dad.

Sent: 7/27/07 4:47 pm

Parentals, Haha I love saying that. So i sent you a letter today telling you about what’s going on. But for a short little thing to tie you over, I’m fine. I promise. I write you guys every week are you not getting them? I hope you are. So life here is hard but thats how its meant to be. So don’t worry. Mom I dunno what treats I want, sorry. Um maybe some...I dunno really, another thing of beef jerky? Some chips? That sounds pretty good. So over all, I’m good. I miss you two so much! And whatever calling card is good, I just want to make sure I can call you from the airport and that I have enough minutes to be able to talk for as long as I want. I love you two so much and get me all the stuff I asked for soon or else I might not get them. Mom look online for a laundry bag with a strap. I need another towel too. Just look around. And yes, I love the wallet. Where to I get travelers checks? Help please! WRITE ME EVERYDAY AND TELL ME ABOUT YOUR LIVES AND HOME AND ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING! ...........please...:) I love you two very much. elder chad

Sent: 8/02/07 4:35 pm THE GENERAL EPISTLE OF ELDER ARNETT THE MISSIONARY TO THE PEOPLE OF THE WARD CALLED PIONEER.

1 Now behold, I Chad, Son of Jeff, have somewhat to say concerning you, the people of the land of my inheritance. Yea, I would that I may speak unto you because of the fullness of my joy.
2 Yea, for now is the time that I prepare to ride apon the wings of that great metal bird to the place that the Lord our God has called me. And I have been instructed in the manner of the way of the Elders before me; therefore, I do know how to pack.
3 Now I Chad, son of Jeff the Husband of Pam, who is great and fair in the eyes of the Lord, do have somewhat more to say concerning the Young Women in the Ward Pioneer. Yea I do rejoice in your writings, fore they did find me. And Oh how great the timing and tender mercies of our Lord! Fore it is no coincidence that your writings did find me in a state of sadness. Yea fore I was grieved at the hardness of the language of German; yea and for many other reasons was I grieved.
4 But behold, your letter did find me and did lift me up. Yea and for this cause do I direct a portion of my writings unto you, the Young Women of the Ward Pioneer in the land of my inheritance. My soul does rejoice because of your words.
5 Now my people, I do bid thee adieu for a time. Yea, for this shall be the last of my writings from the Empty Sea (MTC) for on the seventh day of the eighth month two thousand and seven years from the coming of our Lord, yea even Jesus Christ, I do embark into destiny. Behold, I do go unto the land that is torn because of the Wars of the World, and do preach of the goodness and mercy of the One and True God of Isreal.
6 Fore He truly is the Light and the Way.
7So now I do send these, my writings. I pray they find you in health and safety. Yea, and this is the desire of my heart. Chuss.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Germany Hamburg Mission" <2017709@ldschurch.org>
To: "Arnett"
Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2007 5:52 AM
Subject: 6 pictures for you

August 10, 2007
Dear Brother and Sister Arnett
Your son, Elder Arnett, arrived safely on 08 August here in Hamburg.
Although he was very tired when we picked him up at the airport, we felt of his great spirit. He traveled to the mission home on the train with our assistants and there he began his mission by sharing information and testimony with a few of the passengers. He then arrived here at the mission home for a little rest, a nice meal and a testimony meeting, in German. We then sent him to bed for a well-deserved rest.
The next morning his new companion, Elder Lewis, came to pick your son up and take him to Essen. We have very carefully chosen those to train our new missionaries and we know that your son will have a great training experience with Elder Lewis.
Sister Thompson and I deeply appreciate your faith in sending your son on a mission and we will care for him as if he were our own son for the next two years.
P-day is on Mondays for the Hamburg Mission so you may wish to write your e-mail on Sunday evening so that he can read and answer it Monday morning. Attached are two photos of your son with us and also your son with his new companion.
Please feel free to contact us at any time with any issues or concerns.
With our warmest wishes,
President Wesley B. Thompson
Sister Rebecca L. Thompson

Sent: 8/13/07 2:17 am PAReNTALS!!!(AND EVERYONE ELSE!!!)

HOLZ COW IM IN GERMANY!!

ok first off the y and the z are switched here so when zou see a z think y cause im not gunna take the time to fix it.

oh meine gutte. germanz is so crayz. but i love it! mz first area is a huge citz named Essen. its so awesome. ITS STORZ TIME!!!

ok so mz first daz we prettz much sepnt travling. it was a 6 hour bahn(train) ride. boring. but whatevs it was still fun seeing the countrz. mz trainer is named elder lewis. he rocks. hes waz cool and waz good at missionarz work. im gunna learn tonz. anzwazs. so we get into essen right, and we meet our third comp elder leigh. were working as a dritte for a week or so until his comp comes back from oberhausen. its a long storz that i dont wanna go into. an apostate missionarz and new zone leaders and a girl here. za its kinda bad! but whatevs. so then we went out and did a little contacting that first daz but reallz we just wanted to get to know the citz. theres a few areas we need to avoid, but over all its a waz cool place. #then we had a dinner appointment that night with the kotzlik's. sister kotzlik is the onlz member so it was kinda fun. her son daniel is 17 and waz funnz, i wanna get to know him better. the food was amaying.
the next daz we had like a two hour planning thing for the week. just set our goals and stuff. thats where elder leigh is so negative all the time. he sazs the works dead in essen but its the most sucessful place in the mission. but whatevs.
so we went outside and tried to find some people. didnt reqallz work. then we went to stop bz some less actives, that was cool, none were home but i did mz first contact. i talked to this black guz named pastor tony. hes funnz. i went up and started talking to him and he was like 'zou speak english dont zou?' i laughed and said za. then we got his info and stuff. he admires the missionaries and wants to talk with us. we'll call him tonight.
im sorrz but so much has happened so im gunna hit the kez points.

the next daz we had an apointmnent made with a referral. we met him at the kirche. sorrz thats church. we sat down and started talking about what he has learned. hes been taught before. then after about 5 minutes he said before we go anz further, i think zou should know, i want to be baptized.
i wanted to hug him

i was so stoked! we meet this guz off the street and he wants to be baptiyed! im so excited! so september 8th, mark it as mz first baptism.
so then we went to this park where the stake plazs soccer on saturdazs and we got to talk with him and have him meet some of the members. i love the ward here. some reallz great people live here and thezre waz helpful. but we found out alot about lahib marcus. thats the name of mz baptiym. so anzwazs. he comes from iraq. hes be3en christian his whole life so he and his familz have been reffugies for thezre whole life. thez have been trzing to get into greece for a long time and kept getting sent back to iraq. its crayz some of his stories. anzwazs hes been living in deutschland for some time and knows he cant go back. he sazs he will two dazs before he wants to die. he wants to see his home land. mz real comp lewis has built a real good relationship with him and ive tried. the language is a definite barrier though. but i understand a lot actuallz. i understand more than elder leigh who has been here for 7 months sometimes. and i can respond which is cool.
so that was that.

then sundaz rolled around. it was a blast. i bore mz testmonz, i had to, and its was so funnz. i got up and said hi and it was mz first week in germanz and mz deutsch was bad. then i started to talk and when ever id start to sound out a word the whole congregation would be nodding their heads encouraging me. it was waz funnz.. i reallz like the ward. thezre sweet, although we have some crayz people too. like this guz who has been excommunicated 2 times and just got rebaptiyed. za, a lot of people are like that here though.
then i met this girl named ronja krane. we were teaching this zoung womens class and za she was there. shes not a member but sshe stazed with a familz that mz cousin james married into. so she knows mz name. it was so sweet. i wanted to kneel down and thank god right then. she wanted to know about an english class and stuff so were gunna set up a conversation class, her english is perfect though. she doiesnt even have an accent. but im just gunna trz to be her friend first and invite here to things, i think shes interested but she said her parents werent too excited that she wanted to go to church. well see...
then later that sundaz we taught lahib the first lesson. it was waz good cause we had a member familz the danalakis there. thezve gotten to be friends with lahib. hes reallz exxcited. so are we.
we then went to the bishops house to talk about the ward. findout partmembers and lessactives and all that stuff. he told us avbout this ladz who wants her 9 zear old baptiyed. so we have to teach her and get to count it. number 2 babz!! i cant believe it.

i cant believe how guided our lives are. its amaying. this week has been such a miricle. seriouslz. mz trainer is so cool and good. mz apartment is the nicest in the mission, but it is still prettz getto. ill send pics next week. mom would never live here. we have a bathroom a kitchen a bedroom and a studz.i think its 35 square feet. we will have 4 elders living there bz the end of next week.
the people here arent that rich. actuallz reallz poor compared to our standards. but i love em. and i love it here.

well we have a teaching appt here in a little.

im so stoked to be here now. i know everzone is sazing hang on and itll get better but im having a blast. its so sweet here, but i also went through a lot in the mtc. so its due. but i love it. i wouldnt trade it for the world.

i love zou and miss zou. talking to zou was so good. i loved it. well talk in 4 months though. i can wait, can zou?

loves,
chad

pictures will come soon. elder leigh is making us go now so za, next week though i promise. i love zou so much.

oh and i need like 50 to 80 € on mz personal account actuallz but like 200 bucks more on there. sorrz. but i have to get some stuff like a new backpack. mine wont work cause it rains 24/7 here. i have to get one here. sorrz. i love zou though! and i have to get some scripture cases so za. chuß.

Mon 8/20/07 3:53 AM
To:
pamiam1218@hotmail.comdad and mom,

sorry these are way short, but im so busy and i really neeed to get out of here. but i just wanna let you kjnow whats going on here.

ya the love parade is here. ew. but whatevs. europe is so diffrent than home

um the work was a dud this week. not too much happened but i still tried to have fun. i havent had a bad week yet but im scared for it haha.

yes mom, i still love my comp and its fun having 4 elders together. we joke around alot but we work too. its way fun.

dad, dont worry. like you said the past is past. i find my self thinking more and more about the work and less and less about everything else. all is well. i promise. and i love you, thanks for the advice.

the language is hard. i have a constant headache trying to understand it all. butim learning lots. ive already gotten alot of the cuss words in my vocab seeing as i hear them often every day. usually in my general direction haha. its funny i laugh every time. and no mom, i dont use them.

the mission life is way diff than the mtc. its so lax out here. and ive met a few apostates. its so easy to slip even on a mission. but dont worry, my feet are secure. im not moving.

i hope you liked the pictures. i have tonz but i cant really send them all. sorry guess your gunna have to wait 22 months.

i got your tape. i just bought a tape player today. my other one broke on the flight over. i dont know what happened but it refuses to play. i tried everything.

hey with money, im sorry but im gunna be spending quite a bit the first part here of my mission. theres soo much to buy to be ready. that backback i had sucked over here. i love my new one though.absolutely. its so comfy. anyways, sorry for running the bill but its kinda nessesary right now.

k i love and miss you both so much.
mom good luck with school. just be glad you only have 3 problem children cause i have 600,000. and they really hate me.
dad, keep on keepin on. i already painted the x for you! haha. hey tell cody hi for me ja?

any ways,

much love,
your son

Mon 8/27/07 11:53 AM
To:
Pamela Arnett (pamiam1218@hotmail.com)

----- Original Message -----
Geez, what happened to make Duffy and Jr to get in a fight? That makes me angry, but good choice... and how the heck did Duffy lose? Tell me he got a few good strikes in.So, I do keep a daily journal and will do what you told me to, but you have to realize my schedule is never the same so I never know how much I can write. I do the best I can though.I hope Uncle Cliff is ok. Tell Cam and all the cousins I say hi and love em. Tell them to drop me an email one of these days too. I'm happy for Cameron. That's so great he's doing this for real-- no more faking it-- its awesome.So this week was difficult. If you want the defintion of ineffective missionary work it's this, ´street contacting in the middle of preparations for the biggest gay and lesbian party that literally brings hell´. Try crying repentance in that situation.Last monday was Elder Lui´s birthday. He's the Italian elder in my apartment with me. We went bowling and had lots of fun. In the innen stadt (innercity) there are always booths with people trying to save some sort of animal. So there were about 12 missionaries standing around cause we were deciding what kinda lunch we wanted and this kid walks up and starts talking to us about whales. Someone said we were American and he starts talking English with us. He's from Jacksonsville. Fl and has this "gansta" accent. He asked us what we were doing here. One of the Elders mentioned we were missionaries. His attitude totally changed. He got all reserved and started acting like he had somewhere to go. We are used to that -- all Germans do it. He was standing next to me while I was doing a rubics cube, just showing off my madd skillz to the other Elders, and I asked, ´´what, are you scared of us?´´ He looked around and said no. I asked him if he knew what we did. He said not really. He had such a bad attitude. I told him we pretty much did what he did, but instead of saving fish, we were saving souls. I asked him if he wanted to be saved. He said maybe. I laughed and said when it is a yes to seek me out. He told me ok. His name is Thomas. I've seen him alot since in the innenstadt.My districkt was laughing so hard. They couldnt believe that I did that. Neither could I really. It was P-day, and I had a rubics cube in my hands. I go crazy when I have a rubics cube in my hands.Tuesday we had district meeting in Mulheim so we had to travel a bit.After Tuesday, we just did a lot of contacting, but we had to be really careful. The gay Loveparade really hindered the work. I was pretty upset about it. I can't believe so many people showed up. It should have been young single adult heaven, except for two factors, they were all drunk and they don't want god in their lives. It's ridiculous.On Saturday, the day of the Loveparade, we were locked in the church all day. President Thompson wouldnt let us out. We had to stay in Essen, though, because we had a few appointments. That night we had a ward talent show. It was a blast. The three other elders and myself lipsinked to "The Lion Sings Tonight". It was funny and the ward loved it. My ward here is awesome. There are a few guys who are American and I love talking to them. On Sunday, we went to the Stake President's house.That family is so funny. We had root beer floats! I was so stoked! I haven't had rootbeer in so long. All we have here to drink is tea, carbonated water, and apfelshorle (carbonated apple juice, weird I know, but I love it.). and water outta the faucet. But you have to be careful. My general rule of thumb is if it's brown, don't drink it, if it's green, dont drink it, if it's clear and you drink it, you still might be in trouble later that night -- and here I was thinking Europe was civilized!
We kind of live in the ghetto. I love it though. There are thugs everywhere. They walk around flashing their blades. I walk around flashing my missionary badge. Elder Lewis is scared for me--he thinks I'm gonna get stabbed.I saw a girl get hit by a bahn (train), it was a suicide attempt. I was very scared. Elder Lewis said that he's seen 4 people die... people jump in front of things all the time. The German people are just so depressed. They need the gospel really bad.Yesterday in church, there was this young man in the ward who was set apart as a missionary. He has been called to the Frankfurt mission, just south of me. It brought back so many feelings. After all the meetings were over, the ward members came into the chapel and all the kids around my age got up and sang "In the Hollow of Thy Hand" to him. It was very emotional. All four of us missionaries were up there and I think we were all tearing up. The Stake President put the piano bench in the front of the chapel and called him up. His dad and the bishop came up with him. He gave his girlfriend one last hug and walked up. He walked past us elders sitting on the side. He looked at us, he was so scared and excited. I remember that feeling, in fact I still get it.
Then, he was set apart as a missionary. A miracle happened as the blessing was being pronounced. I understood. It made me think of my setting apart.with Bishop Graham and President Greer and you DAD. All of us missionaries were crying, it was a tender moment and one that I will always treasure. It made me realize how much I apprieciate this opportunity. Yes, its a sacrifice... a huge one, but it's such a priviledge.And, that's my week in review. Here are some pictures just to show how Im doing and where I'm at.Much love.Elder Arnett

Mon 9/03/07 5:22 AM
To:
pamiam1218@hotmail.com

Security scan upon download

my dearest mother and father,

whats up! so this week has pretty much been one of those weeks! Murphy's law! where everything that could go bad, did. haha. and the best part is that i still had a good time. so here we go.

so on tuesday elder lewis and lui had a reporter follow them around and try to figure out just what it is exactly that missionaries do. it was a pretty big deal. some guy that works for public relations came up to essen last week and talked to us aobut what to say, how to say it, how to sit, how to answer questions, how to walk, where to look, proper posture, and gave us a full 2 or 3 year background on this chick that was to follow us around. the church is kinda scary...
anyways, they started out by doing service (im telling what they did so you get the background. i come into this story but elder leigh and i still need a lot of work with our german so we had an exchange that day.). the service part was good, but the members in this ward are friggin crazy. theres this member brüder Steinka, and he pretty much ruined everything for us. Everything we were told not to talk about, he talked about. plural marriage, blacks and the priesthood, church politics, kolab, what we do in the temple, blah blah blah, you all know the hot topics of the church. she took 5 full pages of notes on this guy. then she followed the elders around for a bit longer and took off. elder lewis was so mad.
so that was a bad omen for the week. really nothing happened. we wentout and worked, but the city was dead this week. to tell you the truth i think its because of the lack of faith from a few elders in this city. not to name names, but an elder in my apartment is alway negative! its so annoying! especially cause im golden! (we use the term golden instead of greenyout here because we have golden power. we know no limits and believe like crazy. hence the term golden. so when reffering to me as being a new missionary, the correct term is golden) but i can really see his attitude infecting the people of the ward. they should be excited aobut the work not annoied with it! but transfers are soon, and hes been here for a long time so we´ll see what happens. but ya, the ward is doing a forty day fast for missionary work, and its pretty cool. if the ward believes and really tries to further the work, then i have no doubt that huge things will happen in this city. one way that i decided to help is to do somthing i saw done in my home ward a while ago. we give boms to the ward members each week and make them promise to give them out during that week. i told them that if they did it a huge jump in missionary work would be seen.

this week was all contacting. we did all we could to find new investigators. and we found 2! one is this young guy i started talking to on the street. hes kinda american but is way better at german. so we talked a mixture of both. haha it was cool. anyways we had an appointment with him yesterday but he called us to reschedule and that never happens! they just dont care and leave you hanging. hes way interested and doesnt like the catholic church, so he went buddist. hes a cool guy. i hope things pan out with him for a number of reasons.

so Lahib, the iraq guy. we had a huge two hour lesson with him on saturday to plan his baptism and teach him a few more things. we thought it went well and he gave up black tea and all this stuff, but when we went over hte baptisimal interview questions with him, he had a few concerns with a couple of them. but they all were resolved and we were good to go. or so we thought.
when we went to pick him up for church everything seemed normal. he was waiting for us on the corner like always. he walked over to us and shook our hands. he said he couldnt come today. we asked why. then he informed us that he didnt want to come again. he said he had a bad feeling after he met with us. we explained that sometimes that happens when we remember things we have done or when we are about to do a life changing thing. he then gave another excuse, he said his family situation wasnt good enough. his brother was poor so he couldnt join the church. he was just looking for a way out. we kept trying to get him to talk to us, but to no avail. it was pretty depressing to me.we said bye and went to church. and that was that.
so no baptism next week. but we´re challenging for another this week. so we´ll see how that works.

i dunno, its really hard here in germany. i get letters from all my friends and they´re throwing down with the gospel. baptisms left and right. and im happy for them, but thats how people judge success. the german people are so stubborn. theyve seen so much heartache. i met a man who was in the battle of stalingrad. and another lady who saw her family die in a concentration camp. they dont believe in god and they want nothing to do with religion. a fourteen year old told me yesterday that ´jesus wasnt his thing´. these people have grown up not trusting their neighbors and hating the world around them. i see it in their eyes. its so sad. i havent had one person on the street smile atme since ive been here. they barely even say hello. they drink their lives away and refuse to think of the good things.
and that tends to make my job hard. i dont care if people judge me from back home or whatever. i dont care if i dont get one baptism (fyi there are a lot of elders who have that happen here). i dont care if i get cussed at, spit on, beer thrown at, or run down by a car. all i care is that i try my hardest. i wish that was the way mormon culture judged. not by the position you hold or the baptisms you have. ya, ive been a district leader. ya ive had good luck with the numbers ive been able to put up. but they arent what matters. true, they are important in the mission feild cause thats how we know if the work is moving foward, but i hate how people in the real world judge by them. one of the best missionaries i have ever met out here only has one baptism. and the whole mission looks up to him. but the world hears 'one' and thinks that he didnt do well. i dunno. we had a huge talk about it at zone conference. it kinda got us all a little mad at the world. but i guess thats just how it goes. sorry to vent.

as for the german language, this week was really good i think. i had a few moments when i felt like i understood almost everything. its an amazing feeling, let me tell you! And i also had an experience when i felt very comfortable talking.
i went on a exchange with my zone leader this week. i was with elder zander. hes this crazy canadian kid whos way funny and make me trunky for jameson! anyway we were in a city thats about 30 km away from this place. we went to a teaching appointment and started teaching this girl named stefie. we were teaching about temples and some of the things that go on there. she then started asking questions about the temple and then about sin. at one point me and elder zander looked at eachother not really knowing how to answer the questions. they were pretty deep and we had no idea how to go about answering them without scaring her off. but then an idea came into my head and i started speaking. it was sweet. i said everything i wanted to and used words i dont remember studying. i think its just stuff that i heard. then me and her started talking about how hard the gospel can be, but how when we really have a testimony it gets a little bit easier. she is way cool and does have a testimony and i hope all goes well with her. i hope to see her at my church for her baptisim. anyway the moral of this story is that the spirit is amazing and truly has no limit as to what it can help us do. God loves his children and wont hold back any answers because of my inadequicy. its something i learn more and more everyday. i really feel a lot better with my german. confidence is the key to speaking a language. be confident in what you can do and humble with what you cant. and alway work your friggin butt off. that seems to be a constant theme here in germany. shoot and all over the world.

so this letter seems kinda down but dont misunderstand my attitude. im happy. i do love this job. its tonz of fun even. sleep is a rarity, but i enjoy it when i get it. hahaha. everyone knows what thats like.

i love you. all is well i promise! im happy! hey and write me more. tell everyone too! i barely had any letters this week!!

and mom, im not mad about the letter im just warning you, if i dont have time at one point in these two years, dont be mad! i love you like crazy though. dont forget that. and i wanna write hand written letters, but it costs 2.30 american dollars to send stuff! ill do it when i can spare it though.

hey send me some clothes i can get paint and stuff on. i just need a molten shirt. and i would love american candy mom! dont listen to dad, we´ll see if it gets through ok? i love and miss you both.

love,
Elder Arnett

Mon 9/10/07 5:13 AM
To:
pamiam1218@hotmail.com

sup ma and pa!?
first off, mom! what the heck! dont listen to dad! write me tonz! i got one small email from you! i need more lovin! im here in lonly cold germany and the one girl i care about most doesnt even write me! come on! whats that all about! but i did get you tape and i am extremely appreicative of that. it was agoood to hear everyones voices even though lots were crazy sarcastic. thats so sweet that chris popped the baby thing with me on the line. it made me really happy. anyways, keep writin and dont stop! i need lovin! serious!

d-backs are still in the lead? i really didnt see that comin...

ok well, once again this week was friggin hard! it seemed like everything was falling through. serious. everything. every one of our appointments were canceled and ya. we were back to square one. so we decided to do alot of member work. less actives and partmember kinda stuff. its not my favorite but its kinda fun getting to know the people. the part member work is where its at though, only if you do it right.
ive come to realize that the elders here before me kinda ruined the ward. like the elders are way cool and i like em, for the most part, but they just screwed up. the ward doesnt really trust us. thats why we decided to do more ward work. and it seems to be paying off.
the book of mormon to the ward idea i had is so much better than i thought. yesterday, i had to give out three of my own! its sweet. i really really think this is going to help the work.

anyways back to the week. we went by on tonz of old investigators and old contacts. and we still have so much more to do! im pretty excited for this next week cause we have a lot of appointments made out.

before i forget, CASEY IS COMMING BACK!! WHAT THE HECK, HE JUST LEFT!!! i cant believe it. thats insane. and parentals, i love you and you know it, but these three months have gone pretty fast for me too. well at least this like month. this transfer has flown. we only have about a week left. if my miission goes like this im a bit scared. i know ill have hard times, but still...its fast. congrats casey and fam.

im really glad to hear cliff is doing good and that cam is too. i really have come to realize how much i love and miss my family. all of them. all 100 or some odd of em. i hope everyone reading this is doing good and i hope to hear from you at some point! i miss you all like crazy!

and if austin reads this, the song was a hit. the missionaries in my apartment especially like it.

anyway. so this week. it was rough. constant rain. and a lot of crazy things happened. like people did some pretty messed up things to us. i really dont wanna go into it, but i was mad, wet, angry, perturbed, frusterated, and ticked off. then i went home, showered, wrote in my journal, went to sleep and repeated the same steps the next day. all week long. it was just bad. but then saturday came around. and i love saturday cause it means the next day is sunday and in this case, sunday meant we had an appointment with a promising investigator.
then sunday came and i got a text (ha! take that dad! i have a cell phone and its glorious!). it was from this investigator and he had to cancel cause he was sick. i was mad but kinda glad cause investigators never tell you they cant do it. they just dont show up.
anyway lewis and i decided to go down to velbert instead. its in the very south of our area and mission. heres the story as i told it to pres...

But there are two things that I am really excited for. First, an investigator that we have. We had an appointment made out for yesterday, but it fell through. But the reason I'm still hopeful is because he called us. That means he remembered! And he is still way interested. He had to cancel because he was sick. And I don't think it was a lie, he sounded horrible!
And second, yesterday we were in the south of our area giving a spiritual thought to a family who just fasted for the missionary work, and to drop by on some former contacts and investigators. But it was getting late so we decided to start to head back. We caught a Bahn and were admiring the country. Then Elder Lewis said to me that we still needed to get our 20. We were at one of our favorite contacting spots so we jumped off the train and went out.
The place was dead. There was barely anyone anywhere. So we talked to as many as we could but were still short by about 12. So we decided to head over to the InnenStadt.
Now the InnenStadt is usually packed so we have a route we like to take that leads through some of the less populated streets. We find its easier to contact when there isn't so many people around. They usually seem to stop more often. But when we were about to take the road that we usually do, both Elder Lewis and I had a feeling that we should go up the main road. So, naturally, we did. We weren't walking for more than 2 minutes when this guy who was jogging took out his iPod and said, "Hey, you speak English right?" Elder Lewis and I looked at eachother and said "Ya."
The guy came over to us and said, "I wanna learn more about you." We were awestruck. This guy has read up on the Church and, in his own words, finds somthing attractive about it. He said he think it's a leap of faith, but that all religion is.
The phrase from Preach My Gospel came to mind, 'The Lord is preparing people to recieve you. He will lead you to them or He will lead them to you.'
Oh! The goodness and mercy of the Lord my God!

i forgot i had it. so thats that. it was way cool and we meet with him on thursday.

and thats that sadly. that was my week. i know its not that interesting, but its all that happened!

i gotta go help elder lewis get registered for byu. hes training me for the mission and im training him for the real world. its so funny! he goes home right before christmas, so i should be able to kill him, we'll see how it plays out.
i cant believe how christmas doesnt feel that far away. it is three months, but i dunno. its scary how fast this goes! james is 6 months through! and bj is over a year! its flippin crazy.

here are some pictures of the crazy wild here in deustchland! hope you like. some of these are off my comps camera so ya, thats why they're wanna be artistic! haha jk!

i love studying the language and the scriptures! oh my. it is sweet. serious! im learning alot about my study habits and how i should do it. i eat periodiocally during my 3 hour study sessions. im gunna get so fat! but ive actually lost weight since ive been on the mission. im only like 77 kilos now...

elder lewis and i have started excercising. its so funny. he got some work out tapes and he makes me do them with him. theres this ab one that makes me laugh so hard. the guy on the tape is such a flamer! but im still sore and we did it like 3 days ago. but i draw a line at palaties. i refuse to do any of that stuff with him!

OK well im off. today is a chill day and very much needed by yours truly. ive been sleeping, but still not good. i figure its a fact of missionary work! anyways. i love and miss you!

Tschüss!
Elder Chad

p.s. i had to change my handwriting for german! im perturbed!

Mon 9/17/07 3:43 AM
To:
pamiam1218@hotmail.comDearest mother and father.

Hey there parentals! i just wanna say whats up! im going to apoligize now cause i know that your not going to be satisfied with the length of this letter, but just know i love you.

so elder lui is going home in 3 days. we're partyin like its 1999 so he can have a good time. its really sad to see him go. he lives in verona and ya...its just sad. but ive learned some really cool italian phrases. i can talk to italian people here. cant really understand. but thats my life. ive learned some bad words in italian too...but i wont use those...too often! haha!

We taught that american named nicholaus. it was so amazing! it was so spiritual and he totally felt it. i feel like im in the movie the best two years. its so great though. im lovin it. we have another appointment with him on tuesday to teach the plan of salvation. im really stoked about it cause its so easy for me to teach. and i use alot of personal expierences with the family and how there is life after this one so i can see all of them again. it really invites the spirit, giving personal accounts. i just cant wait til i can do it in german.

yesterday we had a ward eating thing after church. it was so fun for me. the food sucked, not gunna lie. germans cant cook big batches but when its individual its amazing! anyways i just started playing with all the little kids. i had a friggin blast! i cant wait to get to play with all the little cousins everyone seems to be poppin out lately! but the ward really noticed me playing and started making fun of me! i just got up on the stage and said `hey! im the only child.`and then a kid named maneul threw a ball at me and i chased him. they all laughed. our ward is one third really cool people and two thirds crazy old people.

but some are extremely nice. this one member gave me an electronic dictionary to use as long as im here(which might be 6 months). its way cool, but i feel really bad about taking it! but she insisted. so i did. i promised to give it back though and wrote a huge sign and put it above my bed to remind me!

Its amazing to me how wwII still lives on. we talked to a man yesterday who was saved by americans no older than me. hes a nice old man. also, we saw a ton of anti nazis fighting alot of nazis. they are still around. i was gunna jump in and give those hard hearted germans a peice of my mind! but then i saw knifes and decided to turn around! haha. (jk mom, i wouldnt get in a fight. if i did itd be a one way ticket home! but i really saw a huge brawl goin down!)

micro bursts in AZ? i do miss those. the weather here has actually been pretty nice. no rain, but i do need to buy a jacket. im gunna do it this week. so put like 100 bucks on my card. thats only 75 euro and thats a really cheep jacket. i gotta find one i love and that will last two years. not like the missionary one, but a regular one for pdays, when we play soccer and when i wake up in the morning.

this second hand smoke will kill me! this lady is smoking right next to me, but a song by plain white tees is on the radio and that makes it bareable.
speaking of which, i still hear all of my favorite songs all the time. kids are always blasting them from their phones or theyre on loud speakers in the innenstadt. its redonkulous. i told pres i sometimes feel bad. he said `hey, if it doesnt damn ya, then your ok.` i laughed. hes a funny guy.

we had zone conference this past week again. but this time with pres kopischka. hes in the mission presidency and in the 70. hes way cool. i learned so much on how to be better, its just trying to figure out how to do it now. i dont know where to start.

this next transfer im only going to be speaking german. i hope it helps me. its so hard though. i hit a block two days before yesterday. i couldnt speak or understand. it was really bad. i felt like crying. but then the lord gave me a tender mercy and let me go play soccer with some people in the ward and a few inactives and an investigator. it was so good to get out and run. the germans are good and soccer! but bruder danalkiis (a guy in my ward who played semi pro!) took me under his wing and said i have natural tallent. i was surprised to see how far i could kick the ball and with so much accuracy. it was sweet. he taught me tonz on that day and i got a real workout. it felt so good. he says he wants me there every week. i told him id come if he brought someone we could teach. we will see how it plays out.

well mom and dad, i love you like crazy and miss you even more. or the other way around. which ever makes you feel better! i started a tape a few days ago and will get that to you....later haha. i havent gotten any mail in a very very long time so make sure you wrote the right address on it. mom i got the tape and stuff so i think its the correct one. im just chillin in essen. waiting for some lovin from the parental units!

oh ya, i get letters from bj and chad and jbev, but thats about it. plaw and deuce...i got nothing. hey maimai hiapo is doing really bad. somthing about her heart. pray for her. shes such a sweet little girl and bj is taking it hard. maybe call up coach and find out. send her my love would you?

k guys, thanks for everything. and you can write me more...i love hearing from you.

love,
elder ARNETT!!!

ps. dad you better work on your fishin skills you have just over 20 months to get ready for me. im gunna kick your trash all over the cheese hole! and keep the sports updates a comin. az is doin good.

and sorry, i didnt take any pictures this week....

k its time to go show elder lui a good time.

hey one more thing. k i want/need the following; -a harmonica. dont ask questions, just do it.-my religion book. its the purple one that i used for my world religions class. it would help so much out here.-my patriarchial blessing lamaneted and the size of a credit card. i read it so much. at least everyday and i would like a more portable one.-again money for a jacket. thanks so much guys! i love and miss you!

Mon 9/24/07 2:56 AM
To:
pamiam1218@hotmail.commom and dad.

hey you two. hows life back home? glad to hear all is going well.

this week has been really hard and good. right now im in a rather depressed mood though. so excuse the lack of entusiasim.

i was sick this week. that was hard. it was weird and i dont even know what it was, but it really stunk. i didnt like not getting out side.

so we got nicholaus to stake conference yesterday. pres thompson and pres sebald (stake pres) both talked. it was way good. nick felt the spirit. hes such a good guy. we challenge him to baptisim tomorrow. im stoked. he knows it true and he has a friend he wants to share this with. not even a member and already a missionary. we challenge another girl tonight. shes gettin wet for sure too.

after the stake conference we had a small zone conference thing too cause pres was here. he held interviews and all that jazz, hes a good guy.

so the reason why im depressed is because of german. its killing me. im trying to speak it but i get way embarrassed. ive never been embarrassed in my life until now. its a horrible feeling! and leigh just laughs when i do it. i hate it. hes way hard for me to deal with right now. hes so negative and always yelling and just drives any semblance of the spirit right out. its so hard.

i feel like im not a good missionary. the reason being is because i cant help people. i dont know what they are saying to me and i cant really talk back. lauren gave me great avice, act like your the best. just have that american attitude! and i try. i know confidence is a huge key of language. HUGE. but its hard to have when i keep getting put down. i dont mean to vent or make you think i hate my mission cause i totally dont. its just really hard for me to feel good about my self.

i dont need anyone of you to build me up, i just needed to get it out. sorry.

anyways, thats all for me this week. im sorry these are progressivly shorter, but ya. i have no excuse other than i was sick and not too much happened! im just way hard on my self this week. i think the fact that lui left was hard too. the elder that came in to replace him was edler curzon. good guy.

k well im out. much love parents. really i miss you alot. its hard not being able to just call you up whenever i want. especially during weeks like htis one.

love,
your boy.

Tue 10/02/07 7:08 AM
To:
pamiam1218@hotmail.com

Security scan upon download
parentals!

hey you two, no i didnt forget about you. some crazy stuff is goin down in germany. and yesterday the internet didnt work. im sorry im sure it was a long night but im well and everything is going great. heres something i received today,

Liebe Missionare bzw. Missionarinnen,

This last week there have been certain radical groups who have been causing riots here in Germany. On September 22 in Hamburg about 15 people were injured in clashes between the police and these radicals in the northern city of Hamburg. Around 700 policemen had to use water cannons and batons to disperse the group who had set up barricades on the street and set fire to garbage bins. In another city a group of foreign students were attacked with pepper spray after being stopped on their bikes. Other events have happened in cities where most of the riots and attacks have been made against foreigners. Radical groups will continue to seek publicity for their political agendas by creating more disturbances at various festivals throughout Germany.

As missionaries (and as foreigners as most of the missionaries are), you should be cautious and avoid public venues where violence may erupt.

Please be careful and aware of your surroundings. We do not want any accidents happening to any of our missionaries.

Elder Brinton
Mission Secretary
Germany Hamburg Mission

and since im in a big city, ya just lots of really weird stuff is going on, some hate groups are starting to break out... im good though and all is well.

things with nicholas are going so well. we took him to a baptism on saturday and he came to church on sunday. he is getting baptized but we just have to find a date now. on sunday we went to the stake presidents house with him for dinner and had an amazing time. it was so much fun. i gave the spiritual thought in german about my ankle and the hard time i had with that. it was way good. the spirit definately was there and helped me get the german words out. it wasnt easy by anymeans, but i finished it. ive been speaking german more and more. its so hard, im just stupid!!!

before i forget, some of the pictures are just me and my comps messin around at a train stop at night waiting to go home. the one of me and lewis in the kitchen is us doing service. we made cinimon rolls and gave them to our investigators. i bought a catus to remind me of home. his name is paco.. 1779 is of me sick. i hated it. it was just a cold or flu... and the pic of the two ladies and the girl is cool. the girl is getting baptized and the lady on the right we are reactivating. that is celina and sister von rauchhaupt. the lady on the left is a member, sis steinka

no i still havent gotten in contact with ronja but her parents are in the us now for conference. im stoked for conference, we get 3 sessions here. we miss sunday night for now, but whatever. im so excited. we had apostle predicitions at distrikt meeting today. it was fun i love my districkt. im gunna miss them. were half way through this transfer! woah! im four months gone! yikes!!! i need to step it up.

parental units, i love and miss you so much. im sorry i have no time this week. we have too much to do today and its no pday so i cant take my time on here. i love you two so much though. i miss you like crazy. i hope the lord is blessing you by my being out here!

mom, heres the ward thing. you can add what ever you want to it from in here too.

Liebe Pioneer Ward!
Hey! so my lovely mother sends me the ward news letter everyonce in a while and i love hearing about things back home. i noticed that the ward has a baptisimal goal for this year! WAY TO GO! that is so awesome and it is completely possible to accomplish! it all starts with a goal and then the kingdom grows. this ward is amazing and you invite and surround people with such warmness. sometimes here in germany the people are as cold and the weather. just be nice and make friends. dont be afraid to invite people over to your house for dinner and invite the missionaries! thats my favorite appointment! just think of 5 people you could share a message about christ with, and then do it. its so simple, but extremely hard. just always keep your eyes open for oppertunities to share the word and the lord will provide, thats what ive learned.

k i gotta go.

i love and miss you,
elder arnett.

Mon 10/08/07 3:24 AM
To:
pamiam1218@hotmail.comSup Eltern!

Well this week has been an interesting one. It was really a testimony builder for me. The week started off slow. Elder Lewis and I started to prepare for Conference by making invites to give to all the Less-Active Members and friends or contacts of the Church. Then we got to work passing them out. We tried to get to every single Less-Active and contact that we have recorded. We tried to give out the invitations personally, but if they were not there we would put it in the mail box. I think it was good. We now know where all these people live and they have seen us. We also set up a lot of appointments this next week with them.
This week we also did alot of member work. It seems like our ward is going through a very tough time. Everyone is losing their job and we are starting to notice family problems errupting. Aslo sickness is sweeping through the ward. So, Elder Lewis and I have been trying to see what we can do to help. We gave a lot of service to try to earn the members trust and show them that we really do care. I think that is the key, showing that we care and that we are in a position to uplift spiritually. Then yesterday we had a couple sweet experiences.
We had two investigators at Conference. One was Nicholas and the other was Celena. Nicholas has become friends with a member by the name of Sister Kötzlik. While Elder Lewis and I were doing something else in the ward building they got to talking. When we walked back over to them, Nicholas said they were singing our praises. We were a bit confused. Then he clarified. He said he was really thankful that he got us as "his missionaries". I asked what he meant and he told me that we seem to have an excitement for the work that some other missionaries don´t seem to have. Then Sister Kötzlik chimed in and said that it was also really good for the ward to see two missionaries who have the dedication that we do. She said that for the past while, the ward has kinda felt like the missionaries didn´t care. We assured her that we do. She said "I know because you show it." We all started tearing up. It was really one of the sweetest moments that I have had on my mission. I realized the importance of member work yesterday. What Elder Kopischke told us at Zone Conference rang true to me. "If you want the Church to grow in Germany, you have to work with the members. Without them, it will not happen. It will not happen."
We also set a Tauftermin (baptism date) with Nicholas. The 5th of November. I hope I am still around for that wonderful experience. It was amazing to have him at Conference. It is always a spiritual re-boost. It was kinda cool to see Elder Kopischke again, but on the TV! I really took Conference for granted before I came to Germany. I wish I would have paid more attention to it before! I realize now how much time I wasted before my mission. All the wonderful oppertunities I had. I learned alot, but I could have done better. But no point in crying over spilt milk. I just have to work harder now!
This weekend we have been doing one big super exchange. We had eight Elders in our apartment! It was so cramped but so much fun. We played guitar and sang and played games and swapped stories and all the things that misssionaries do when we get together! It really was a blast.
Ya, I did buy a jacket, but I had to pay with it with mission money. The bank would not let me withdraw more than 50 euro. I was kinda confused, and now I have no money to buy food! But no worries, I get money this week. I should get 100 euro because I had to buy so much stuff for the apartment and missionary supplies. Blah. Aber alles gute.
Thats crazy about the D-backs. I really can't believe it. I was under the impression that they sucked!
My address is
Raffaelstr. 12
45147 Essen
Germany

I think you have it right. And sorry but I dont know the address of the internet shop. It is somewhere in the innenstadt though. Good luck finding it!

Sorry about the picture situation, sometimes the computer I am on has a USB port and sometimes it doesnt. Next week I will grab one that does. Promise.

Ok well we have a few appointments today. I swear we work TOO hard. Just kidding, but we really dont have a p-day because we would rather meet with people that can not meet at other times of the week. We also never take the dinner break that we are allotted. Elder Lewis works me like a horse, but it'll make me better. Although when the weather gets cold, so do the people. Winter time slows the work so we will see what happens. Member work anyone?

Ok, much love. I miss you two like crazy. It was weird thinking you were watching saturday and sunday morning sessions at the same time! but it was 6 at night here!

Peace, Love, Crabs,

Elder Arnett

Chad Arnett (chadarnett@myldsmail.net)
Sent:
Mon 10/15/07 4:29 AM
To:
pamiam1218@hotmail.comdearest parental units,
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!25 YEARS AINT BAD!!
well this week has been really long and really hard, but we got a lot of good work done. i dont really know what to say and i know your going to be really dissapointed in this letter, but i dont have too much to say this week. im just really tired. but thats the life of a missionary right?
we set two baptisimal dates this week. thats pretty exciting. but i dont think that ill be here for either. i think i will be transfered on november 1st to some ohter area. its no big though. in an effort to have daily contact with one of our investigators, elder lewis and i have started running 3 times a weeks early in the morning. it works for daily contact, but ive never really been the morning person. i drag my self outta bed every day at 5.30 to go running with this guy. its pretty bad, but ive never been so motivated to run. i hate the running part but its good to have contact to Nicholas. ill do whatever it takes to make sure he gets wet! and ive already lost 2 or 3 kilo. just goes to show how fat im gettting. haha just kidding. im not gaining too much weight. infact im getting back to where i was before i left for my mission. still not there, but im tryin to gain! i want muscle and i should be gettin some soon. we do situps every night and i work out 3 times a week after running. its not heavy stuff, just pushups and goofing off with some weights. meh.

ok i gotta go. i love you and am sorry this is short. im just way tired and we all gotta run. id love some old fashioned letters too if you could. it would be sweet.

love and miss you two like crazy. hope you have a great anniversary. oct 15 right? a day that will forever live in infamy.

peace, love,
Elder Arnett.

Chad's cousin, Chea Lamb of Chea Lamb Photography, took some photos of Chad as he was preparing to enter the MTC. This is the now famous photo that later appeared in the LDS Church News.

For those interested

2008-09-01T23:21:00.000-07:00

We've decided to make a special blog for Elder Chad Jeffrey Arnett of the Hamburg Germany Mission. This will detail his life and adventures as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He began his mission on June 6, 2007. We will share photos, emails and letters during his stay in Germany. For those that are interested, welcome. This will replace the forwarded emails you have been receiving. We will strive to update this blog on a weekly basis. Obviously, because we have started this blog more than half-way through his mission we have a lot of catching up to do and for a while it will look as though everything is backwards -- which it is. Thanks in advance for your interest in Chad.