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.

Renovation and Rejuventation

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!

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!

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.