8 weeks and counting

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

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!

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

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!

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

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

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.