tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30089956680107794912024-03-04T20:48:06.637-08:00Elder Drew BretzingCalled to ServeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-24272107132411178602016-09-13T14:51:00.001-07:002016-09-13T15:28:25.268-07:00Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-70323136846836464452016-09-13T14:51:00.000-07:002016-09-13T15:28:21.481-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The best part of this experience was to pick him up and see his mission thru his eyes. I know his dad was there in spirit and walked right beside us. below are some of the pictures.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-25511261943898770252016-07-25T15:42:00.002-07:002016-07-25T15:42:29.018-07:00LAST EMAIL- SO WHAT DID I LEARN<div class="MsoPlainText">
Well, here are some of the thoughts I had: as mom asked me
to write down what I learned. I hope they make sense. I love you all! I am happy to see you soon!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
So what did I learn from this experience? To tell you
everything would require maybe a few years and there would be a book published
out of what I would want to say. But I
will try my best to express my feelings so that I can get the main message
across. There will be small added things
and I will emphasize everything in bullet points to keep my thoughts more
organized. Ok, here we go.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I have learned that the Book of Mormon is the most
powerful tool we can use to find our direction in life. I have seen through the small, but what
seemed immense at the time, difficulties that I faced on my mission, that I
enjoyed my personal study of the scriptures.
As I pondered about the reason why, I realized that it was because of
the power of the Book of Mormon and other holy scripture. It is truly my daily bread and I see it
so. As I read in the Book of Mormon
daily, I felt a feeling of peace and comfort.
Not only that, but I was able to use the scriptures that I read as
friends to help me throughout my day. Now,
I have become addicted to the Book of Mormon.
That will be something that I will have to make sure that it is being
done daily, and in the best conditions, before I start my day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I have learned the importance of setting goals. Sometimes, the most important thing is not
reaching the goal, but living a life where I am constantly striving for a
goal. I am not perfect at this, however,
I have seen that through setting goals, I can become someone better, and reach that
goal that Christ Himself gave us, to become perfect, even as He and the Father
are perfect.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- To follow that, I learned that perfection is not
reached in this life. It was not
obtained during my time being a missionary.
But it is a goal that should always be at the front of our minds, and
that is, to be more like our Savior, Jesus Christ. scriptures teach us how to
reach this goal and what life paths we need to take in order to accomplish it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I learned to always pick up after yourself, and that
means immediately, and to not follow the "I will do it later" rule<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I learned the importance of cleaning<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I learned that it is always better to be early than
late<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I learned that planning is a life habit for success<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I learned that exercise is the key to energy and being
awake throughout your day<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I learned how to sit through a 6 hour meeting and not
fall asleep and actually pay attention<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I learned how to bear my testimony<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I have learned how to adapt myself to my surroundings<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I have learned how to be a good listener. It requires love, patience, and eye contact
every now and again<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I have learned that the best of things are hard to do,
but not impossible<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I have learned the German Language and have a basic
structure of the language<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I have learned to trust my God. He is the one that knows all things. He even knows the thoughts and desires of my
heart. And when I put my trust in Him,
and do what He wants me to do, then our vision becomes one.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I have learned that when you are full, not to eat
anymore.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I have learned the importance of keeping track of time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I have learned to love general conference and our
general authorities. They are truly our
watchmen on the tower. What they have to
say to us is inspired and leads us back to the presence of our Eternal Father.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I learned the importance of laughter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I have learned to capture the good moments, and
sometimes that includes a camera.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I have learned that it is important to greet all of our
friends and family at church and notice that they came. Sometimes that requires talking to them for a
while and seeing how they truly are doing.
A handshake is good, but a handshake and concern for their well being is
better.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I have learned the importance of having the gospel in
the home. A home centered on the gospel
is a fortress against the things of the world.
I have felt that in multiple occasions in the homes of the members that
I was standing in fortified homes. That requires also effort and occasionally
talking to your family even when they are sitting in the same room. Or even a weekly family home evening would be
good as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I learned to check the laundry and make sure that no
colors got mixed with my whites.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I have learned the importance of always having a study
journal while studying the scriptures. I
have no idea how to really use one, but whenever I had one, my study of the
scriptures was a lot better.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I have learned how quickly I can invite the Spirit into
my life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Feeling His presence is as warm as feeling the sun on my
face. (And I lived for almost a year of
cloudy skies and not really seeing the<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
sun.) When you can feel the presence of the Holy Ghost,
then you know that the Comforter is with you, and that God is with you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- To add to that thought as well, I have learned how
quickly we can drive the Spirit away through our thoughtless words and
actions. I have come to know that when I
cannot feel the Spirit, there is almost a void in my feelings. A hole, that is not filled. That has become a warning bell for me and I
need to then do the things to have the Spirit back in my daily activities. If that means a physical or mental removal
from a certain place is necessary, that I will do it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
- I have learned the value counting my many
blessings. Counting my blessings has
helped me in my missionary life to see that God is always with me. It is also very humbling to know that He is
very proactive in my life. I have
learned how to count my blessings, by noticing the things that brought me joy
or whenever I was grateful for a experience or sometimes a warm smile from a
stranger. Those small blessings have
brought me lasting joy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
And the list goes on and on. I can imagine myself adding things to the
list in certain circumstances and by always remembering the wonderful things
that happened on my mission. I think to
end my learning process, I have learned that I am a Son of the living God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
That is the most powerful connection I have with the God
who gave me life. He is watching out for
me and is always by my side. I have seen
how He helped his Son, Jesus Christ, and I know that He is standing there,
willing to help me as He did him. As I
read more about the life of Jesus Christ, I am at awe at the wonderful message
that He shares with me. Not only what He
said, but what He did for me has changed my life. I know that God and Jesus Christ live. Jesus Christ is my Redeemer. For God so loved the world, and that includes
me, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever would believe on Him,
shall have eternal life. I believe
that. I know that Joseph Smith was a
chosen Prophet of God. He ushered in
this last Dispensation of the Fulness of times.
What does that mean? I know
through the power of the Holy Ghost, that Joseph Smith restored the lost pieces
of the Gospel that was taught in the Bible.
Through the help of the Book of Mormon, another Testament of the Jesus
Christ and His gospel, he was able to find answers to His questions. I believe that the Prophet today, President
Thomas S. Monson is his authorized servant today, to receive the revelation for
this church, for us as a body. This
church is true. The Book of Mormon is
true. That I know.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
And these experiences that I have made, I leave them for
anyone to read, and close in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Love you All! See you soon!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Elder Bretzing<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-34649725025119281462016-06-21T12:29:00.004-07:002016-06-21T12:29:49.686-07:00WEEK 6-20-2016 MY LAST ZONE CONFERENCE<div class="MsoPlainText">
Hey family,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Well, this week was a mile marker for lasts. We had our last zone training meeting. It was weird, I have to be honest. I didn't really know any of the missionaries
that were there and so it was just a new for me. I also was asked to bear my last testimony at
a zone training meeting and that was also weird. I just remember watching other
people and giving their last testimonies and now it came to me. But I have gotten to the point that I love
sharing my testimony. If anyone ever
asks me, I love to do it! So that was
good.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
We spent also two days in Oldenburg, because our district
leader is there and so we both went there for exchanges. That was fun.
I was with our district leader and he is learning Persian on his
mission, and so he had this little skype conference with other missionaries,
studying the Persian langaauge. I was
just sitting in the background, twiddling my thumbs until we could go back out
to work. But overall it was really good.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
This week, we have been working really hard with our Persian
friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Unfortunately, we found out yesterday that they are not
able to be baptized. We sort of knew
this, but in the middle of the week, they sent us a text message and we thought
that they had some legal things explained, but it turns out that they are still
not elligble for baptism. But that is
ok. Like I said earlier, I know that one
day they will be able to do it. Other
than that, we did a lot of finding.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Sorry, the weeks are going by really fast and so I am
sorry that there is really nothing else to report on. I am happy.
I am working. Trying to do my best and forget the rest. I am not going to lie, some days it is really
hard, but then there are those moments, where I think that I can keep
going. So I try to have the keep going
moments more than its really hard moments.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHFYKOLzrE_X9kZJ-0pMA0Ylu-03StFxbFpyxZTK8K318RUjHMRNls6UzYr0P9TUq6wKjBf5X24FmgqxMrcjPqibBjFV2jxVmPFpspsRjgRm_4mRCctzOleqlMIhgIbTqJufx1sRNK8E/s1600/image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHFYKOLzrE_X9kZJ-0pMA0Ylu-03StFxbFpyxZTK8K318RUjHMRNls6UzYr0P9TUq6wKjBf5X24FmgqxMrcjPqibBjFV2jxVmPFpspsRjgRm_4mRCctzOleqlMIhgIbTqJufx1sRNK8E/s320/image1.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I love you all and have fun with the week!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Elder Bretzing<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-80412237628055719522016-06-15T10:58:00.002-07:002016-06-15T10:58:51.668-07:0022 HAS COME AND GONE<div class="MsoPlainText">
Hey family!</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Well, it is official. I am no longer 22. (No more Taylor swift song
of her singing 22) being 23 really feels no different. I just woke up with back
pain and was like great, the old is starting to settle in. But I am going to
get that checked out this week. And for the birthday we went out to a Mongolian
restaurant. So that was good. Thanks for all the love and support!</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
We had a lot of finding time this last week and we saw
some good success out of it. We found
some people who would like to meet with us and that was good. I am looking forward to this week. We even found a guy who speaks Portuguese and
so I am able to do some small talk with him.
Hopefully, by the end of the week I will be able to say some good gospel
stuff with him. We even met with a teenager this last Saturday, and it was
really funny because she was soaking it all up like a sponge, but didn't really
talk. For me, it was a little funny. But I hope that she wants to keep meeting
with us. Bremerhaven has been an
interesting city. We live in a crazy
part of town, but I guess that is makes it interesting. It has been fun. I even had some friends in Hamburg come and
visit me this last week. That was great. Turns out, that their family comes from Bremerhaven and a
small city in the area, so it was great to see them.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
These last few weeks I have sure learned a lot. I have seen how much the lord has been
helping me even when it comes to finding.
It's hard to explain, but He is even helping me to endure to the end and
keep pushing forward! I am excited to be able to tell you all this in person.
Oh, and Hana will be in my prayers. Is
everything ok with the baby and everything. I have no idea what that
means. Keep me updated please!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I love you all and we shall see each other soon!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Elder Bretzing<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-3581362204358689952016-06-08T10:08:00.001-07:002016-06-08T10:08:08.191-07:00WEEK 6-4-2106 LAST ZONE CONFERENCE<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Hey Family!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Well this last week went by
like a flash. It is weird to be in my last area on my mission and I will
explain to you why. But I hope everything is going good back at
home. Hey, my first question is... Have we heard back about BYU? Do
I need to do anything else on my side? I havent submitted anything on my
side, but if i need to, I can take some time next week to do that. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Ok, so the week started off
really well. My days in Flensburg ended off with a really high
note. We met with the new convert in our branch for the last time and we
were just really saying goobye the whole time. Afterwards, we asked him
if he would say the closing prayer for us as we parted ways. He then
started to cry as he prayed to bless and guide me on my travel to
Bremerhaven. He then said after the prayer thank you to me for the things
that he learned. I never knew that our meetings meant so much to him but
he said that he learned a great deal about the plan of salvation. We had
to laugh together a little about that, because we had one appointment where we
talked alot about deep doctrine of the plan of salvation and we both left that
day confused, but just laughing. I will surely miss him. It was
such an honor to get to know him. He was also sustained to recieve the
Melchesidek Preisthood so it will be sad that I wont be able to see that.
And then afterwards, some of the ward members threw a little going away
party. I was happy for that, but at first a little upset. I dont
like going away parties. It was first a family home evening but then it
became a goodbye party for Elder Bretzing. But I was still nice and
thanked them for what they did for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
I am in another little branch
here in Bremerhaven. About 20 active members who come to church. My first
few weeks have been fun. My new companions name is Elder Rogers. He
is a great kid and I hope that I will be a great support to him for my last few
weeks. Its funny, because he tries to get me to talk about how I feel
about going home and so I always joke that he is more trunky than me, but he is
great. Bremerhaven is a beautiful city and I am happy to end the summer
in another harbor city. It is alot cooler here and I am happy for
that. We really have no investigators here in Bremerhaven, except for 2
Persian couples. I still dont know their names right, but we will call
them my persian friends. They are amazing. I remember, the first
time I met them, that they wanted us to pray before we did anything else.
Like that was funny. Usually I ask if we can pray but they beat us to
it. They are refugees here in Germany. And they were able to get
permission to stay here but because of the status as refugees, they cannot be
baptized. They are soo ready. They even call themselves Mormons. They have
been explained the rules and are waiting patiently for the day that they can be
baptized. But they have been such a pleasure to get to know and see how
they are doing is amazing. They even come to church in white shirts and
ties. And they are all really so warm welcoming. Before the end of
our first appointment, they were hugging me and letting me know that I was
their brother. Man, what a great group of people. We also had a
street display in Bremen, because the sisters there do one every week. That
is also a beautiful city. Everyone was making fun of me because I didnt
let a single mom and stroller pass me without talking to them. When
missionaries saw a mom and a stroller, they let me talk to them. I
guess I am trunky. But that is ok. I thought it was funny.
This district is definately one of the different ones I have been in on my
mission. But I am looking forward to working with these missionaries.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Ok to the question to mom,
yes.... we will go somewhere for my birhtday. But dont think that I am
going to make a big deal out of it, because I aint. But I will be excited
to see you at the end of the month. That will be a great birthday gift
for me. I also was just not planning on emailing on that last week of my
mission and just tell you in person what I learned. Can I do that? Or do
I need to write?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Well, I love you all and I hope
all is well. I always say this at the end of my emails so you know that I
am leaving. We hear from each other next week!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Bretzing<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Last Zone conference of the Mission</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-92012162037026062542016-06-01T12:12:00.002-07:002016-06-01T12:12:57.794-07:00WEEK 5-30-2016<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey Family!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, like it said, this last week marked the beginning of
the lasts. We had our last Zone Conference. Well... my last
one. Elder Adler from the 70 talked to us and that was great to hear from
him. He promised everyone there success in, and he used these words,
within the next month as they follow what we learned during that meeting.
I immediately thought to myself, hey I only have 1 month left! I am
starting to understand a lot more what it means to trust our leaders and their
promises they give us. We also had an area seventy at our stake
conference this last weekend and he is from italy and he promised everyone
there that if they do the things they learned at stake conference, they can
double their numbers before 2020. He even gave them a promise that they
can double their numbers by next Stake Conference if they start today.
And he said that he is not one bit afraid to give us that promise, in the name
of the Lord, because our church leaders have also promised us these things and
we can do it as we follow their council and guidance. So these next few
weeks will be great. I can feel it. And I think there is still yet
something that I need to learn.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Oh my goodness, I almost forget. Well I got my last
transfer phone call. I have been transferred. They call it in the mission
being ghosted because you go somewhere for your last few weeks. So I am
going to a city called Bremerhaven. Its more north, but another harbor
city. I find it interesting that the lord knows me so much because almost
all of my areas, I have served near a large body of water, or a large river
that cuts our city into two. But I had to laugh at that. My new
comp is called Elder Rodgers. I dont know him. I dont know almost all of
my new district. Now I am starting to get old. So I will be there
on Wednesday. That will sure be interesting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was weird here in Flensburg, because of Stake Conference,
not so many members know that I am leaving. Shoot, they all thought I was
going home this transfer, but I told them not til July. But I was able to
say goodbye to a few but not all. That will also be somewhat
interesting. I am going to also miss Elder Vasai. He will do
great. We were somewhat bummed, but I am happy that I am going. I
will get a little bit of refreshed energy working in a new area.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, that is basically our week in a nutshell. Alot
of traveling. This week was the week that we also found alot of new
people. It was really cool. We even had a girl come up to us in the
bus just saying she wanted to learn alot more about our church and she was
there for our appointment! So I am super excited for Elder Vasai to take
over. It is all in good hands!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, I love you all and miss you and we shall see each
other soon!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Bretzing<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-72348091685686511042016-05-25T09:57:00.000-07:002016-05-25T09:57:36.006-07:00WEEK 5-23-2016 ONLY 5 MORE EMAILS<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey Family! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope everything is going well back at home. To the
questions from mom straight of the bat... I already gave Kevin my essays so ask
him who they went. Do I need to submit them? If so, where? That would be
great. It would be nice to work in the temple again and I will write that
down. We have to see but that is something definately I will work on when
I get home.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ok, so this week was pretty same old same old. I am
sorry to say that. We worked really hard and we are really trying to meet
with our investigators, but there is really no progress being shown and no one
came to church this last sunday. So its been tough. Not to mention
the weather has just been super crazy, from really hot to raining and sticky
and what not. But we keep going on.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think something that has been my help this last week is
finally getting back into the habit of whenever I open the scriptures to read
them, that I have ajournal right next to me to write down notes. It helps me
more to think and ponder about what I am going to say and what not. And so I
was reading in Alma 38 where Alma is talking to Shiblon. What a guy he
must of been because we learn that he really endured hard ships. From
being in bonds, to being stoned by those he tried preaching the gospel too, and
afterwards in verse 5, Alma teaches his son and us the following, " And
now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should remember that as much as ye shall
put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trails and
your troubles and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day."
Man that scripture has been running through my mind like crazy this last
week. I have not had the trials and troubles of shiblon to that extent,
but I have my own trials and troubles. With the transfer coming to an end
this next week, I have been wondering a lot about what is going to
happen. Lately, missionaries have been sent to some random area for their
last transfer. But then missionaries stay for like an eternity in certain
areas. So I have no idea what will happen. If it were up to me, I would
like to go somewhere else for my last transfer. In fact, I was thinking
asking President Fingerle about that in my email that I sent him today.
But then this scripture came to my mind. God wants to help us and he is
willing to do, he asks first that we trust Him, and what He has in store for
us. He knows and understands my troubles and He is willing to deliver me
out of my troubles, if I just keep trusting Him. So in the end, I decided
not to ask my Mission President. I know that He has been called from God
to be here and so I know that God will play the role in deciding where I will
be for the last 5 weeks of my mission. And He knows that it is for the
best. So that is like my spiritual thought for this week. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This upcoming week will go by really fast. We have
alot to do and not so much time to do it. We have Zone Conference in
Hamburg on Friday and then we have stake conference on Saturday and
Sunday. So we are trying to meet with alot of investigators and hopefully
we can get some really good appointments set out. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Well, I will tell you how it went next week. They come
faster than we think! I love you all and I am grateful to have you in my
life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Bretzing<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-87703191095578820092016-05-18T13:13:00.000-07:002016-05-18T13:13:17.252-07:00WEEK 5/16/2016<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Hey Family!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Well, since we didn't have the
skype phone call, i thought I would write to you this week. Everything
has been going on great here in Flensburg. Man, did a lot happen this
week. But lets just dive on in...<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
It started off a little
rough. The weather was great and I was super excited for that. And with
great weather, we just walk around in our white shirts and ties. Now, I
have notice a pattern. Whenever missionaries are seen in their white
shirts and ties, that is when the always meet with weirdest people. For
example, the beginning of this week was meeting alot of weird people.
Alot of angry people. It was just not my cup of tea, if you know what I
am saying. Some people were just taunting us and wanting to fight with
us. I have no reason why. We had an incident where someone was
trying to belittle my companion because he could not speak the language very
well, and that made me really mad. That is something that I do not like
one bit, but my comp was a champ and we walked away from these confrontations.
But this week I guess, I also met some of the nicest people as well. For
example, we had some visitors this last week from Nuremberg and they were just
so nice. I sat down next to them at church and right off the bat, they
knew my name, where I came from, and my job beforehand. (they read my little
autobiography at the church building) And we were just laughing and having a
great time talking about the most random of things. But it was
great. When they left, I wanted them to stay. Buy a house here in
Flensburg, or at least that they took me with them. But they were just up
for the holiday. So I guess that was the Lord telling me, that there are
also nice people here too. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
We had an exchange this last
week, and all the missionaries came up to flensburg. I went on exchange
with someone who actually served with me in the MTC, but he is going home in 4
days. He is going home to see his sister graduate. That is actually
also something interesting about the missionaries that I was with in the
MTC. Most of us are being split and there are some that are leaving in 3
weeks. Then you have me and I go home the first week of July. But
some of my friends are going home with me as well, so that will be fun. But
anywho, this missionary for his last exchange wanted to see the danish
border. So we took our bikes and in seriously 15 minutes we were
there. We both got a picture with the sign and then we headed back into the
center of town and started to talk with some people on the street. That
was also fun. There are a lot more people on the street because of the holidays
and the summer (even though it rained, hailed, and there was thunder and
lightning yesterday during church). So that always makes it super fun to
go to the middle of town and talk with people. But that also means
talking with people from all over Germany. So I got to try to get some
referrals for the other parts of the mission.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Other than that, life continues
to go on. We are having a great time and everything seems to be doing
really good. I am trying to handle the fact that the time is running out.
I don't know if I am doing that really well, but I am figuring it out.
Every time I see babies on the street, its like that scene from the Best two
years where the elder was dear john-ed and when he sees the couple walking
through town and he just stops and wants to try to follow them. Yup, that's me
but with little babies. It doesn't help to also know that at home there
are 3 new little faces waiting for me. But that is ok. The deed is
done. I will just have to help with babysitting then.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Well, I love you all and I will
let you know how things are going next week! But I will definitely send some
pictures!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Bretzing!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-3665891120612467162016-05-04T15:19:00.000-07:002016-05-04T15:19:32.920-07:00WEEK 5-2-2016 MOTHERS DAY PREVIEW<div class="MsoNormal">
Alright Family!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Time for role call! Mothers day is fast approaching!
Family Bretzing... ASSEMBLE! (You know, if I had it my way, I would not be
calling this last phone call, because I am going to see you in 2 months
anyway... but in order to keep good feelings and to protect myself from any
injury when I land in America, I will consent.) But get your ideas and
what not ready. Anything you have to talk about, prepare it! I cant
believe that this day came already. But alrighty then. The phone call
will procede at or around 17:00 hours here in Flensburg. (I believe that will
be 08:00 back at home) But just be prepared at 07:00 in case I call early.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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This week was really great. It started off with a
really bad turkish haircut. I remember walking by this hair salon, and it
was in the middle of town square so I thought it was going to be good and I
read on the sign the words "oriental". So I was like huhhh, i
wonder what that means. Yup, it was interesting. Let alone, the guy
couldnt speak that much german. And he had some magical powers with his
shears and so it looks pretty turkish. If you have no idea what I mean,
you will see on sunday. But he also used a blow dryer, and I got to
admit, that part of my hair looked really good. But yeah, that was the
silly beginning of our week. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Alot of our investigators have been not really coming
around. That has been sad. But the sun is shining, the church bells
are ringing, spring is in the air. Leets home that people start having
time again. I mean seriously, this is the first week where the whole week
should be sunny. We are walking around in only sweaters that is how warm
it is. And we have had a friend of ours at church lately. She
claims to be a prophetess and she really likes our church. I forget if I
mentioned her to you before or not, but everytime she writes us a text message
as the "new member of our ward" But I just smile, and say to
myself, soon.... But she has been hard to meet with and we fortunately made out
an appointment for tomorrow and I hope it sticks. I am looking forward
because she is actually a really nice lady and I am excited to share the gospel
with her. She has even been reading alot in the book of mormon lately, so
I have hope! Most of the rest of the week was filled with finding.
We are going to start teaching german to some of the refugees or immigrants who
have been having a difficult time learning the language. And it was just
a wonderful expierence, because as we planned to do that and to give our flyers
for that, we ran into some of the greatest people and almost everyone we talked
to couldnt understand us in german! Which is great when you are looking
for students for a german class. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But other than that, we are pushing along. My personal
studies have been some of the greatest times on my mission. Lately, I
have been reading the Book of Mormon and now I am taking some time to read some
of the gospel topics that you can find on LDS.org and now they are on the
gospel library app and that has been a great testimony builder. I just
feel like I am being refined more and more to talk with people about our
church. Some of the topics are harder ones to talk about, but it is
always good to be informed and from the right sources too. So that has
been great. You should see us during our companionship study, i look at
Elder Vasai and I go, "Man you will not believe what I learned
today!" Its great, the scriptures are great, modern day revelation
is just great. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It is a small world if you met Elder Gallacher at the
temple. He is great guy as well. Its weird to think that he is already
home. But everything is weird at this point...<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, we are going to viking museum so I will try to
remember to take pictures and send them your way. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, I love you all and I am glad everything is going great
back at home. We see us on Sunday!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Bretzing<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-52307167047978902222016-05-04T12:54:00.000-07:002016-05-04T12:54:08.905-07:00Week 4-25-2016<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey Family!,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, I really dont know how to describe this past week
except for saying that it was interesting. Allow me to elaberate....<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So the beggining of the week begun with us going back to
Kiel to do an exchange with our zone leaders. That was really fun.
We had a great time, and everytime I go back there, its like I never
left. Which was super funny because I was able to go back to ward council
and alot of people looked confused to see me again, and then afterwards
somewhat happy. Of course there were some interesting expierences.
But it was nice to see the members in Kiel.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By the end of the week we were back in Flensburg doing the
work. Unfortunately almost all of our lessons that we had planned fell
out. It was a bummer to see that happen. But we tried to make the
most of it. We even had our Ward Mission Leader go finding with us and we
did alot of contacting.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the highlight of my week was actually my personal study
and time that I had to read in the scriptures. It has been a while since
I had a study journal, so last monday I bought a nice study journal so that I
will always want to use it and write in it. And that has truly made such
a difference this past week. I have been able to read and remember more
in the scriptures. I am still no profi when it comes to having a study
journal, but it is a small miracle that I am really grateful for this week.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The weeks have been getting harder here in Flensburg.
It seems that we find people, and we have a great first meeting with them, but
then afterwards, they never respond to our calls. I wonder why this is so
sometimes. I think what helps is just really focusing on the small things
that I can do to be a better missionary or maybe things that I ahve not been so
focused on in the present time. But even though that its been getting
tough, I am happy to be here and to give my all. I will still do all that
I can to be able to see the fruits of my labors, but if it be the will of God
that I help pave and prepare the way for the missionaries after me, then His
will be done. I know that God is happy with what I am doing and that I am
here right now. I come to know it through my personal study and the small
little miracles here and there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well I love you all and I am very grateful for your
prayers. They truly do help me and therefore I am grateful for all of you
back at home. You are always in my prayers as well. I am looking
forward to when we can see each other! But I still have an eternity to go
so that is ok (only 9 more emails... that means 9 more weeks to do something!)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Bretzing<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-46813847826639136742016-04-20T11:26:00.003-07:002016-04-20T11:26:41.647-07:00FINAL 3 MONTHS (PARENTS LETTER)<div class="MsoPlainText">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
13 April 2016 </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Dear Brother and Sister Bretzing, </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
We are grateful to have had Elder Matthew Drew Bretzing
serving in our mission. I’m sure his letters have shown the excitement he has
experienced while serving the people here. As we approach the end of his
mission it is time for us to prepare for his release. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Elder Bretzing
will be released and fly home on 08 Jul 2016.* Until that
time, we feel it is very important for him to continue to serve to the end with
all his heart, might, mind, and strength. We will try to make the planning
process as little of a distraction as possible and we encourage you to help him
to focus on his missionary efforts as well. Nevertheless, Elder Bretzing
will be informed about the details of his release and trip home. In order for us to prepare for
his release with as little distraction to him as possible, we ask you to
please email the following information to us at <a href="mailto:2010879@ldschurch.org">2010879@ldschurch.org</a> as soon as
possible: </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
1. Name and
location of the nearest major airport to the missionary's
home. (This is the airport where you would like your missionary to
arrive.) </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
2. Any change in your address or telephone number since
your missionary's mission call. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
3. The E-mail address to which you would like your
missionary's return travel itinerary sent. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
4. If you desire to come to Germany to pick up your
missionary, please let us know and also ask your stake president to contact me
regarding the request. The Church currently "discourages parents from
picking up missionaries." (Handbook 1 Section 4.10) Exceptions are
possible, however, under the right circumstances. If approved, further
instructions and a release form will be sent to you. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
*If you have already made arrangements to pick up
missionary at the conclusion of his mission, please disregard the above return
flight date. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I hope that the last months of Elder Bretzing's mission
will be among the most treasured. We are thankful for the efforts and
dedication that he has given in service of the Lord. We are also thankful for
the support you have given him in this work. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
May the Lord continue to bless you. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Sincerely, </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Christian H. Fingerle, President Germany Berlin Mission</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-23994434184865363602016-04-20T11:14:00.003-07:002016-04-20T11:14:19.250-07:00WEEK 4-18-2016<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey-o Family! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well this week has been interesting. I got some good stories
this time. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well it started off well with two new friends that we have
been teaching. They are both 18 and we talked to them on the street about
2 weeks ago. Well, we talked to one of them on the street and the other
was invited to our appointment. When we had our first appointment, it was
a great time. These kids actually have a lot of interest. They have
asked some of the greatest questions. They have already read a few
chapters in the book of Mormon, and they mentioned to us that every time they
read in the book, they feel compelled to keep reading. They have a good
feeling that comes from what they think is God. They really have no
religious background, except for what they learned in school about
religion. It has been really fun teaching them and we hope that they
really want to keep learning more. I just have to pace myself, so I don't throw up everything on them at once with the gospel. But they seem to
understand what we are teaching. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We also had an interesting event. We went dooring to
find some less active members and we came across this crazy family who are
Gypsies and also are members of another faith. They allowed us in so that
they can bash with us for a little bit, but they were surprised with how much we
know the bible and their faith as well. So they invited us over to their
church meetings during the week. I agreed on one condition. If we
went with them to their church meeting, they will come to ours. And they
agreed. (unfortunately the agreement was not kept on their side.
But that is ok, we love all of Gods children.) But we decided to
go! And it sure was an interesting experience. I have to admit,
they were very friendly with us and the moment we entered their building,
someone was there to greet us and take us to our seats. We were seated
with our friends. I remember the experience, because as I was there, I
felt comfortable. I felt really comfortable because everyone who was
present was really nice and friendly and trying to help us understand what was
going on. But I remember vividly, that as I was there, I didn't feel the
Spirit. Elder Vasai and I talked about it afterwards and we just felt
that something was missing, and it was the Spirit. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And for me, it was
just a spiritual confirmation that this other church we visited on the weekend
is not Gods church. God has worked the same way ever since the
beginning. He calls prophets to teach his people the gospel. These
prophets hold his sacred Priesthood. And through my experiences, I have
come to know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I believe, just as taught
in the bible, that He came to die for us so that we may one day return again to
our Eternal Father. I do believe that these prophets of old testified and
prophesied that one day would come, where there would be a falling away from
the truth of God. They even explain it as a hunger in the land, but not a
hunger after food or water, but after the truth from God (Amos 811). And it
came. But they also preached about in the last days, that the gospel
would be restored. And I truly feel that that has happened and that our
church really is that church that Jesus Christ established, but now restored
and will bless the lives of many. It blesses my life.
Everyday. I remember sitting in sacrament meeting yesterday, and even
with noisy children, the spirit confirmed to me like it did a long time ago
that this is where I need to be. This is where God wants me to be.
So that was a interesting experience this week, and I was grateful for the
opportunity to learn more about myself and the things that God wants me to do.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So that was basically our week. This week we will be
spending the beginning of it back in Kiel as we are having an exchange. I
don't see anything really in the next few weeks were Elder Vasai and I have to
do a lot of traveling, so that will be fun and we will be able to get a lot here
done. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love you all and I hope all is going well back at home. I
miss you so much but I know that we will see each other soon! I love you!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Bretzing<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-14337623026252248992016-04-13T10:20:00.003-07:002016-04-13T10:20:54.019-07:00WEEK 4-11-2016<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey Everyone,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, as you can tell from the title, this last weekend was
transfer weekend. I am still staying here with Elder Vasai and this next
transfer is for 7 weeks. Which really was not a shocker because I am
training him. So by the end of this transfer, I would have been in
Flensburg for 6 months, almost 7. I cant believe that I have been here
for so long. It feels really short, and yet, really long. But we do
the best we can and make the most out of it. I am happy to stay with
Elder Vasai and I know that we will have a good time. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This last week we went to the Freiberg Temple with our new
convert in our branch. And that was really fun. The 16 hours that
we were on trains was not really the best, but we got to get to know each other
more and most the time I was out like a light bulb. But the time at the
temple was the best. We had a tour from the temple sisters and then got
to enjoy the time and the spirit that was there. One of the temple
sisters is a good friend of mine as well so I got to say goodbye to her before
she went home. But the best part was when we watching together a small
little video about the temple. And boy do I sure miss that place. I
just wanted to cry the whole time and I was just imagining myself getting to go
there soon. I really miss the calmness and the stillness one feels as
they are there. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was also on exchange with a missionary in Neumunster and
so I got to spend some of the time there. But other than that, the weeks
are still a blur. I have to really concentrate to think what I did this
last week.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am so grateful that I have a journal. Its not the
best and I am a few days behind, but it is just so nice and it is just nice to
know that it is not all just one big day, but multiple little moments compiled
in one big adventure. But saying this, it is sad because the middle part
of my mission I was terrible at writing in my journal. So I will have to
make contact with some of the old missionaries to get these memories
back. But I guess as well I have the weekly emails, so that is good
too. But I have heard that alot of my missionary friends and old
companions are getting engaged and or married or seriously dating people.
I find that so weird. It is a little scary to go home and to be kinda
that odd ball out but I still have time not to worry about that. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And tell bishop that he needs to stay bishop until I get
home. In august, he can get released. I just had to laugh when I heard
that the elders and sisters get fed every night. I know that there are
differences in missions and cultures and what not, and so its not like I am mad
or anything, but here in our branch, no one really signs up for us except for
on Sunday, and usually it is the same family each week. But this week, we
had a miracle and another family invited us over to lunch during the
week. That never happens here. But, I mean i still love the members
and I know they are great. I don't understand how it can be hard on the
ward back at home, but I will be able to get to know that when I get
home. I think a good idea would to have the missionaries scheduled on a
night and then right after, go home teaching or something with them. They
would be able to go on splits then with the ward members and help with the home
teaching, but I don't know I am not there yet. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, I love you all and I hope you have a great week.
You are all in my prayers!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Bretzing <o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-90080980299575643312016-04-13T10:17:00.002-07:002016-04-13T10:17:57.284-07:00Week 4-4-2016 GENERAL CONFERENCE<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Hey-o Family! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Well, General Conference has
come and gone. That was awesome! I loved them all that I was able to
see. We still have not seen the sunday afternoon session because of the
time change, but I hope soon that I can read the talks on the gospel library
app. For most of it, we were alone at the church building to watch
it. We were asked to come to the church building to keep it open for
those who wanted to come and only a few came now and again. For most of
conference, it was Elder Vasai and I watching Conference in the nursery room
because there it was being played in English and so that it would be better to
understand for Elder Vasai. For one of the sessions, however, we were
able to watch it in the celestial language with our branch president at his
home. (I got a good laugh from that too and I thought in that moment all
the Germans were laughing as well) It was really funny because since Elder
Vasai cant grasp all of what is being said (even though his german is so much
better in the beginning as mine at that time) He was having a hard time
staying awake during it. And it did not help because our branch president
was kind enough to feed us before, so we helped each other stay awake.
Unfortunately, none of our investigators wanted to come and watch it with
us. We have been struggling really hard to meet with people lately or
find people who really want to learn more. Just today, I was calling
people to see if they wanted to meet with us and no one was really interested
anymore. Even as much as it trys to slow us down, there are still lots of
opportunities to do good. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
This past week was one really
to remember, and it was because we were not at all in our own area. We
had to do an exchange, the both of us, in Kiel and so that was always good to
go back into the old area and see everyone again. Afterwards, we had to
go to Berlin for another conference with new missionaries. We had some
good times and I even got to spend the night in Hamburg again. It just
all seems like the areas tend to blend together and that I never left.
But it was good to be there. I was even able to talk to a few of the
members there and that was just great. The pictures from the new
missionary conference should be on the blog soon. Lets just say though
that I am really happy to be back in my area. But I wont be staying for
long. Tonight, I leave for another exchange with some Elders that are serving
in the city of Neumunster. (Fortunately, Elder Vasai will be able to stay
in our area and so meet with some of our investigators.) And then this
coming Friday, we are traveling once again down to Freiberg. This time,
for a different reason. We have a new convert in our branch and last week
we found out that he wanted to go and visit the temple in Freiberg. It is
a 8-9 hour trip down there, but that did not seem to bother him, for he wants
to truly prepare himself for the day he recieves the Melchesidek Preisthood and
is able to go into the Temple. So its something new in our mission, and
we are able to join him and bring him down and spend the time with him.
That will be just a treat and I will let you know how that goes. It has
been such a treat to work with this new convert and see his progress. He
will trully be a instrument in the hands of the lord. I am excited for
him!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That is all the news and updates I got for this week.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, I love you and your all in my prayers<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Elder Bretzing</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJG_EQZBrJk/Vw5-MloUNQI/AAAAAAAAAvU/Dn5JnKq3DK0lTrSDIrQa0gJ9nIR8PkHRw/s1600/_DSC4755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJG_EQZBrJk/Vw5-MloUNQI/AAAAAAAAAvU/Dn5JnKq3DK0lTrSDIrQa0gJ9nIR8PkHRw/s320/_DSC4755.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
MISSIONARY TRAINING MEETING</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NTQvGBZSzes/Vw5-UeolTLI/AAAAAAAAAvg/kIh7T1Wa0xYMv4TOzTyPq2bUNrmORSKdw/s1600/IMG_0649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NTQvGBZSzes/Vw5-UeolTLI/AAAAAAAAAvg/kIh7T1Wa0xYMv4TOzTyPq2bUNrmORSKdw/s320/IMG_0649.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
GENERAL CONFERENCE APRIL 2016</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_cYyzS1dQHY/Vw5-URZe4kI/AAAAAAAAAvc/xJFdi6BZqP0DQuazeNptCJv1BpOMo38ZQ/s1600/IMG_0641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_cYyzS1dQHY/Vw5-URZe4kI/AAAAAAAAAvc/xJFdi6BZqP0DQuazeNptCJv1BpOMo38ZQ/s320/IMG_0641.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWMXcASR5fz91vGo9pKeX0-axbpeTab_e7OksoEvij2JPq_JrjAWZtgHt-wtmv0wGklDVPfyWcKKIhpYk3MIiYBrtxFV6kvk8yF3Lmnmbckr2ldbOyvsRvq8xSFG7eFVcL_SG0uuqaFc/s1600/IMG_0645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWMXcASR5fz91vGo9pKeX0-axbpeTab_e7OksoEvij2JPq_JrjAWZtgHt-wtmv0wGklDVPfyWcKKIhpYk3MIiYBrtxFV6kvk8yF3Lmnmbckr2ldbOyvsRvq8xSFG7eFVcL_SG0uuqaFc/s320/IMG_0645.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
LISTENING TO THE WORD IN THE CELESTIAL LANGUAGE</div>
<o:p></o:p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-66135731083537484712016-03-28T13:08:00.000-07:002016-03-28T13:08:12.290-07:00WEEK 3-28-2016 EASTER THOUGHTS<div class="MsoPlainText">
Well, Happy Easter everyone!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I hope you had a great Easter! We had a pretty quiet Easter here. Elder Vasai was not feeling well when we got to church,
and then started to throw up, so a member drove us back home and we spent the
rest of it inside. I think he is doing
well, just lack of vitamins but today he has been doing a lot better. So I went straight away to cleaning the
apartment on Sunday and just trying to fill my time with some important
things. One of those was cookies. At this point I already cleaned the entire
apartment, so I thought Why not make some cookies. And I have to say, those were the closest
things I have ever tasted to cookies from home.
And then he woke up for about an hour and gave him some food and then
went back to bed.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
But before Sunday, we actually had a pretty busy
week. We have been traveling a lot to
little tiny villages and visiting people that we have been finding. Whenever we visit this little town called
Niebull, we seem to always run into someone who wants to learn more about the
gospel. Last time we ran into a man and
when we went back to visit him this last week, we had about 30 minutes before
our bus came (because they come once an hour) and so we walked around the bus
station for a while and started talking with a guy and he had interest in
learning more. So things are looking up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I think the best part of this week was to remember what
happened over<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
2000 years ago. It
was something I never really thought about as I was back at home, but this
time, I remember waking up and just wanting to read about what happened with
the Savior on this day. I remember going
to bed on Thursday knowing that about 2000 years ago, the Savior suffered for
my sins, so that I may become clean from them.
And then waking up on Sunday, thinking that today the Savior was
resurrected.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
It was just a great feeling to think all about that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Well we have another jammed pack week of traveling. We will be going to travel to Berlin this
week so that Elder Vasai can pick up his iPad.
I am truly loving our time together.
We just seem to have fun and to be silly sometimes, but not foolish. And I like that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Well, I love you all and I hope that you have a great
time at General Conference. I miss you
and hope all is going well, especially with a new baby around the house.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Elder Bretzing<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-53519371630904170082016-03-22T11:48:00.000-07:002016-03-22T11:48:47.504-07:003-21-2016 IT'S EASTER<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, Hey Family. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Its nice to hear that the weather is
great and that it is sunny and everything... I don't have to tell you how it is
here because I think I have mentioned it almost every one of my emails.
But its ok. The happiness is found in other places as well other than
sun rays... Even though sun rays are really nice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey! Still no answer concerning a certain baby from Kevin or
Hana!? What gives? I think I am starting to forget a little bit about this week
with what happened..... if you catch what I am saying..... <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Well I will try to muster what I remember. I remember
that Elder Vasai doesnt like doners. Those are the tasty treats of
Germany. And so I took him for his second doner and he almost threw
up. So now when I mention that word, he cringes. And that was sad
because I like doners but its ok we can all make sacrifices for our
companions. We went to a KFC here in Kiel and those things are super rare
for District Meeting and he felt like he was home. That was a funny site
and then I told him, ok we are not coming back until 6 months from now. Or at
least until we separate from each other. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have been finding some people, but that have been some
interesting people. I dont know if I already explained the story about our
wonderful friend who is secretly a Jehovah Witness. Its been
interesting. He wants us to now come over when their missionaries are
there.... I am not too sure about that. The last time I ran into their
missionaries, we just were going into circles. If there is anything I
want to teach Elder Vasai, is not to be a bible basher. That is not how
we do things. But the man has been interesting to teach. He is
stuck on the word of wisdom. Not really what it teaches, but that the
word of wisdom is everything tha God says, but we have been having a hard time
explaining to him that that is a specific commandment given to us by God.
But that is our story with him. We will see how he is doing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We were also able to participate in a service project called
cleaning the streets of Schleswig-Holstein. That was also really
fun. We were there and the most things I think I picked up were cigarette
butts. But it was interesting to find what people throw away to the
streets. But it was really fun because we also had a new convert there
with us and he has just been doing great. You can truly see that he wants
to do a lot of good, and at every opportunity, he is loving to learn more about
the gospel and how he can better understand the doctrine behind it. It
has been such a great opportunity to work with him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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That has really been the new things of late. I am
sorry that there is not really much more to report on. I hope everything
is going well and that all things are going good with the baby with Jeff and
Nadine. Let me know when it finally comes. I am excited to get to know
some new faces back at home!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Bretzing<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-12428521253249509932016-03-16T11:30:00.001-07:002016-03-16T11:30:16.978-07:00WEEK 3-14-2016 SOMEONE TOLD ME I ONLY HAVE 17 MORE EMAILS...THAT'S WEIRD!!!<div class="MsoNormal">
Heyo Family!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, like I stated above, I was told by a missionary in my
district, that I only have 17 more of these, and that is pretty scary.
But I guess I just have to make them good!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week was pretty normal, except for the few adventures
we were able to embark on. We started the week by calling everyone that
was in our phone. We do that a lot, but this time we were able to meet
with a very interesting man. For privacy issues, we will just call him
John. We called John on Monday, and he seemed really interested to meet
with us and I have no idea what the missionaries taught him because I can find
no evidence in our apartment that they even taught him, but he is under the
investigator section of our phone. But he seemed really nice, and then so
we scheduled out an appointment really fast and he wanted to meet the next
day. So we are kind of excited, and when we got there, we had no idea
what to think. We even invited him to be baptized on the first
appointment (I wanted to show Elder Vasai that it can be done) and he
agreed. Then we made out another visit for the next time. And the
next time we were on exchange with the zone leaders (that should answer the
question for mom. I am no longer a zone leader. Haven't been one either
since I have been here in Flensburg.) and we found out that he is seriously
addicted to some bad substances. That's putting it nicely. So we are
going to try to meet with John and see if he has the desire to give up these
bad substances. We then told our Ward Mission Leader and Ward Missionary
about John and our two appointments, and they started to laugh and they were
surprised that we found him again. They also knew a lot about John.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Vasai and I have been doing good. He is a great
missionary. I just love his courage that he talks to everyone. And
then he starts laughing when people talk back to him and he just looks at me
and says, "what did they say?" I remember being that young on the
mission. He has this habit to always say yes when people ask him a
question. Like today, when we got our haircut, they asked him how long he
has been in Germany and he kept saying yes. It was funny. I let him
figure things out on his own though. I am there when he has questions but I
love the conversations that he has with people. I will have to send more
pictures and videos of us. He brought those skirt things that Samoans and
Tongans wear with him on his mission, so we took some pictures like if we were
island missionaries. Needless to say, we try to have fun with each
other. I want him to know that having fun and doing work go together
well. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh, I just thought you would like to know because I am still
laughing a little bit about this. But there is a new thing in our
mission, where all the missionaries should now receive callings in the wards
and branches where they are serving. So our branch president found out about
this and on Sunday he came up to me smiling, letting me know that he is
thinking about a calling for me. I told him to let me be a ward
greeter. We don't have any callings like that yet, but I could be a great
one. But whatever he decides for me to do, I will do it. I thought
that was interesting. So maybe in the next two weeks, I will find out
what I am going to do in this branch. I do not know if that means that I will
stay here to the very end. As long as I am with Elder Vasai, that would
be great. We have so much fun together. The best is that he doesn't
trust me yet when we go places and try to order food. He always thinks I am
trying to pull a prank on him with the language, but I haven't tried anything
with him yet. I have to wait a bit until he lets his guard down. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I think something that I really learned this week is to
recognize where the miracles are. I just feel like the Lord is refining
us in a certain way. I have often asked myself the questions, "Where
are the miracles that I want to see?" People who are super
interested where they find us on the street. Or people who have the desire to
come to church and just enjoy it and that strengthens their testimony.
Those have been some miracles that I have been hoping for, and this week we saw
the exact opposite. We saw investigators and members struggling with what
they have, not knowing if they want to go further in the process. And that no
one wants to come to church, for reasons I know not, but we keep asking how we
can help them. Naturally, when someone is in this situation, he starts to look
at himself. Am I doing the best I can? Am I being obedient and worthy
enough? But I learned at the end of this weekend, that the miracles can
be found somewhere else. In me. In ourselves. I know that Elder Vasai and
I are being obedient, and that we are worthy, because I can testify that the Spirit
is working with us. I have felt his presence at times and I know that He
is with us, guiding us where to go. We always happen to have
"coincidences" but I know that there are no "coincidences"
only divine guidance. I have seen a son of God, growing to the point
where he is excited for a future, where we wants to be of service, and help
others. I have seen a missionary who does not just give up when we reach the
end of what we think the line and there is nothing there. There is no end
of the road. But these are some things that I have learned. Just
don't stop.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Well, those are a few of my thoughts from this week. I
love you all and I will be sure to send pictures soon! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Bretzing<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
P.S. I still have not received an email from Kevin telling
me the name of the new baby or if it is even a boy or a girl. So.... I am
still waiting.... <o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-20512528335780820372016-03-07T11:42:00.000-08:002016-03-07T11:43:40.660-08:00Week 3-7-2016 TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey family!<br />
<br />
Well, another week come and gone and this week was a walk down memory lane. In different ways as well. But allow me to shed some light on my thought.<br />
<br />
So off I went this last Tuesday to spend another day in Meissen and that was fun. All I remember on Tuesday was all the train rides I had. We started at 08:00 in the morning and I did not arrive until 21:00 (8:00pm). And I was alone the whole time! It's ok, that is ok in our mission to be alone on a train, as long as someone comes to pick me up on the other side. But that was also the interesting part. So I had to transfer trains in almost every big train station, and there were no missionaries there either. Especially in Hamburg. I had to find my train all by my own (which is not even a problem because a. I am a big boy and b. I know Hamburg main station like the back of my hand) so<br />
that felt weird the whole day. Fortunately, I found missionaries later and I got to help them for the next day. The missionaries in Meissen were both brand new and so for all of Wednesday, I was showing them around and getting them aquatinted with Meissen. That brought back a<br />
flood of memories, because I got to see some of the old members! It was such a joyous thing for me to be able to see them again. It was just great.
And when the word got around that I was in Meissen for one day, they all
started to call the phone and I got to speak with them. It was just a
sweet memory for me to see them and to be able to understand them all this
time. That was great. And there was even an investigator that was in
Meissen and when we visited her, she freaked out and was screaming, Your Back
Your Back! But I had to tell her not for a while, just for one day. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Then came thursday, the day I
was able to get to meet my new companion. His name is Elder Vasai.
He is from Alaska, but was born in Samoa. He is absolutely great. Even
now as I am writing, he is trying to give away a book of mormon to a danish
man, and I had to finish it, but he is just great. A giant ball of
energy. He asks everyone how they are doing and if they want to learn
more about mormons. I just love it. I know we are going to enjoy
our time together. And then we got to travel back and spend the night in
Hamburg in my old apartment, because we would not of been able to make it back
at home. And that was also a trip down memory lane. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But these past few days have
been great. We had testimony meetings and my companion bore his testimony
on how he loves doners and that he wants everyone to feed us bratwurst when we
come and visit them. They all just laughed. I had to share that
because that was my favorite thing about Sunday. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Well, that all that has
happened in the past few weeks. I will definatley let you know how things are
going. We have a pretty busy week ahead of us and so it should be really
fun. I am looking forward to these next few months and I know they will
be great. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Well, I love you all and I am
excited to here from everyone. Ihope all goes well with the baby shower
and the baby coming soon. Send pictures!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Bretzing<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-74346853670970536352016-02-29T12:01:00.001-08:002016-02-29T12:01:06.440-08:00WEEK 2-29-2016 BEING A TRAINER<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey Family!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, this week has been different. I guess that is
where I will start off. So this last weekend was transfer calls.
Like I said before, I usually had an idea where I was going or if I was going
to stay in an area or be transferred, until this transfer call. I had no idea
what was going to happen. So we get our phone call, and our assistant
calls me and tells us that my companion, Elder Ausobksy, got transferred.
He is going to serve on the Polish border in Frankfurt Oder. And so I was
like, wow ok, I guess I am not staying. Not too much of a shocker, I mean
that is like a 50/50 chance. You either stay or go. There really is not
any other options. But then he preceded to tell me that I have been
chosen to train again. Haha, that was the crazy part for me!
Train!? Again!? I guess the Lord has been trying to teach me a lesson and it
takes about 3 times before it finally sticks in my brain. Haha, but that
was new for me. So I will be here in Flensburg probably for 3 more
months. But we will see. I am ready. So that means that this
whole week I will be gone and back in good old Sachsen again. I will be
traveling the whole day tomorrow and arriving in Dresden around 8:30p.m. (and
we will leave our apartment at 7:00a.m.). But that is not all just
traveling. Mostly stops here and there and waiting for trains. So that
will be another adventure. To be honest, it was not what I was expecting.
But I know and I trust in the Lord that it is what He wants me to do. I
have the faith that the Lord has great things in store for all of us, we just
have to make the step to trust Him. Especially, when we think it is not
going our way, but I feel I will look back and be grateful for what He has
planned for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lets see... Other than that, this week was actually pretty
normal. We were able to stay in Flensburg most of the week. We got
to say goodbye to some missionaries in our district. One of them is going
home. It is weird, because I was there for the beginning of her mission
as well in Marzahn, so it will be sad to see some of the group going.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We also had one crazy travel day. It was our district
meeting day, and we said, well we are gone from Flensburg most of the day,
might as well use this day to travel around and meet with other people in other
cities. So we traveled to Kiel for our district meeting, and traveled to
Schleswig to meet with a less active member, who was a miracle that we found
her on the street. Literally the first person we talked to and she was a member
praying to find the missionaries again. I will have to tell the whole
story later, but so we traveled to her and then we had to take a train to the
"west coast" of Germany, to a small city called Husum. But then we
had an appointment with a really funny man who lives in Niebull, and so he
picked us up from Husum and he decided to drive us through the whole west coast
of Germany. I just remember going crazy because we planned all of our time
exactly and I just remember him getting really excited and telling us things
like "Oh, there is a great beach you have to see. It is only ten minutes
away from here. " And then he would drive in that direction. But it
was great and it ended up being a great lesson with him afterwards. And
then we took the 1 hour bus ride from Niebull to Flensburg. Haha yeah
sorry that most of my describing my weeks include all my travel details, but I
just find it so fascinating. It is definitely different that how things are back
at home. But anyways, that was our crazy travel day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The time seems to be winding down and that is somewhat
scary. I am grateful for the training opportunity because it will keep me
busy. This transfer is general conference. The next transfer I have my
phone call back at home. And the next is my birthday and then home.
Ugh! It is just a weird feeling. But usually when these thoughts
that come into my head, i just have to talk to someone on the street and they
start to go away. I find that every finding opportunity is unique and
that it never gets boring. It always stays hard, but there is always
something new in every moment that we encounter. I always have finding
encounters because that is what we are doing most of the time. Even when
we don't think we are. For instance, we walked into an old antique shop
today and just looking around because Elder Ausobksy wants a trinket from
Flensburg, and the owner of the shop just starts talking to me asking questions
about our church. At first, it was awkward, because their were alot of
people in the shop and they all just starting staring as if they all heard
their name being called. But it was great and we were able to talk to
this man and he has sincere interest in learning more about the gospel.
That was a great opportunity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Well, I love you all and i am grateful that everything is
doing ok back at home. I will keep Geoff Johnson in my prayers and their little
baby as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love you all!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Bretzing<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
P.S. Welcome to the club, Mom!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-42468364522098352262016-02-23T11:08:00.001-08:002016-02-23T11:08:19.268-08:00<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey Family,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First of all... Happy Birthday Mom! I hope everything
was really fun!? Was there a huge giant party? Did you at least stay up late to
celebrate? I hope so. Sorry about your present, but it seems like it will be
arriving home sometime around July, so I guess you will have to wait for
it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our week was also really good. We had a lot that
happened and a lot of funny expierences as well. Where to begin.... We
started the week off with a zone conference that we had in Kiel. Which
that is never normal, because we usually hold them in Hamburg, and the whole
north of the mission meets in Hamburg. But this time it was different. I
was super stoked to go to Hamburg, but it didnt turn out so. But at least to
get to Kiel it was only 1½ hours and not 2½ to Hamburg. It seems like
every missionary that I meet now, their first question is almost, when are you
going home? and then I usually reply with July and they are all suprised
because they think I am older on my mission. But after this transfer,
most of the missionaries that I know will be going home. Its a strange
new frontier. But I promise that I did learn something out of Zone
Conference. We talked alot about the big things of the mission. Which of
late has been the topic of repentance because of the worldwide broadcast for
missionaries. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This week we have been finding some crazy and funny
people. We found a little family from Syria who lived before in
Dubai. They were very interesting and very nice to us. We found
them because they were one of the names on our phone (there is like 200 names
on our phone, but we decided to go through them finally and most of them were
either wrong numbers or do not exsist. One person who we called cant even speak
german or english, and so he called a translator to call us to just tell us
that he was not interested. I laughed about that. And some people
live now in southern germany.) but ANYWAYS, we called them and they invited us
over right away. We are going back this wednesday because they were very
interested about a living prophet today, but they seem open. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Haha, ok we found a really funny guy. We met him at a
little ATM shop because there was a ATM shop and we found a place where you can
get A&W rootbeer (which is impossible to find by the way) and so I had to
buy one. And we walked in and there was this guy from Guatemala, speaking
very decent German with us. Anyways we get talking and just having a fun
time, and then he continues to show us that he is like a karate master and is
showing us all these karate moves and throwing fake punches and what not.
He was really funny. When he finally understood that we were
missionaries, he invited us right away to come with us to his friends and to
"help" them. So we walk into his friends house and he looks
over at us and just says "ok... tell them...." I had no idea what to
say, but we just started talking about our purpose here and we made out another
appointment. It was hilarious. We had no idea what happened, but we
were ok with another appointment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And that was mostly our week, just talking to alot of people
whenever we can. Sunday we had an eating appointment with a really cool
member family in our branch. They live on the west side of our area and
so it takes them about 1 hour every week to get to church. So we decided
to eat at the church building and it was really fun. They actually come
from Berlin and were from Marzahn so that was fun to talk about. I forgot
about Berlinish, a little dialect they have in Berlin. Basically everyone
speaks super super fast and like chop off all the endings of the words.
But they are trying to get rid of their accents, so they told us. He is
also our Sunday School teacher, and so he sounds like an auction man, thats how
fast he talks. But really funny. I forgot how crazy German Sarcasm can be
like. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But to answer your question: I cannot tell you which
one exactly I am learning because I am learning both Brasilien portuguese and
Portugal portuguese. From what I have gathered, its basically just an accent
thing. And the brasilians use a formal language and the portuguese use a
very personal language. like in German. There is a Sie language and a Du
language. But the missionary who is helping me is either from Brasil or
lived there for a while. Anyways, he is fluent in the language. But all
my books are teaching me portuguese from Portugal. And then we have a
member in our branch from Angola, and that has also its own little dialect of
portuguese. So its just really everywhere. But I can say a basic
prayer and a little small talk. I have started to memorize 10 new words a
day, so i keep the words in my shirt pocket and everytime i get into a bus, I
go over the words again. This week, I asked my mission president if it would
be possible that Elder from Brasil and I could be companions, so I will let you
know how that goes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So how is
the missionary work at home? I saw that there is a dritt in our ward? (three
elders) and sisters? how long do they think they will be there? I have already
started to make some plans to make sure I go out with them and help them with
the work. that is something that I really saw from this branch is their
willingness to be there and to help. And I would like to do something when I
get home. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Keep me posted on all the baby information. I hope that
everything goes will for Nadine and last month of pregnancy. Is there a
name? A gender? Hey! where is the gender from Kevin and Hanas? He told me he
would send me an email........<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, love you!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Elder Bretzing<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And as for this week....<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Ok well this will be a super
long email because I will just add to that for what we did but it will actually
be pretty short. But this week went good. Probably one of the hardest
that Elder Ausobsky and I had during our time in Flensburg. Almost every
single appointment that we had with our friends fell out. Everyone was sick or
just were not home when we planned it for. That was really tough, but on
a brighter side, we have been able to work more closely this week with some
newly converted members. It was really fun because one of the new
converts is from Angola and he speaks Portuguese, and so we set it up that the
Elder who speaks Portuguese was able to have a skype meeting with him and that
went pretty well. It was cool because I was able to understand like 20
percent. But i thought that was fun.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Because all of our appointments
fell out, we decided that we were going to go to a city that we have not gone
to before and just hit the streets with finding. So we went to this small
city called Schleswig. And it was also tough. We ran into about 5
people who were either pastors or their parents where pastors of another faith.
And that was not the hard part, it was that they really didnt show some
christlike love. One was really nice, though, and he was even in Utah and
was at BYU for a little bit. Its crazy to hear all the stories of people
we meet on the street and usually everyday we find someone who has been to
Utah. But that was our time in Schleswig. I think I was mostly enjoying to see
the sun for the whole day, so that made it a bright day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Then we were in Kiel for two
days. So we have a new thing in our mission where we want to focus on the
missionary exchange. So that meant that we both had to spend two days in
Kiel and that was a little tough because we could not schedule any other
appointments for these two days. But i was with Elder Lauder again and it
sure did feel like the old days. It is interesting to think that I have
already been gone from Kiel for about 3 months and when I came back for the
exchange, I still knew my way around. I just forgot all the bus numbers
and their times, but it was really fun to be back. We ran into alot of people
that we use to teach together, who unfortunately have not been taught
lately. So I dont think that was a coincidence and I hope that they might
be able to meet with them again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
This weekend will be transfer
calls, so I will let you know what happens. I have no idea what will happen,
but it will definately be something new. Its been weird because usually most of
my mission I kind of new what was going to happen in terms of being
transferred, but this one I am not to entirely sure about. But I gues
there are only two options anyway. Well, I love you all and I will talk
to you next week! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love again,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Bretzing<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m4LbBvlg-Fk/VsytmR8oeMI/AAAAAAAAAtg/HFaAeHSFFHA/s1600/2016-02-09%2BKiel%2BZone%2BConference%2BZoKo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m4LbBvlg-Fk/VsytmR8oeMI/AAAAAAAAAtg/HFaAeHSFFHA/s320/2016-02-09%2BKiel%2BZone%2BConference%2BZoKo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Smiles to my heart when I see him.. he looks so happy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Zone Conference February 2016</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-24500291839698448182016-02-09T10:07:00.000-08:002016-02-09T10:07:45.075-08:00WEEK 2-8-2016<div class="MsoNormal">
Haha Hey family!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, as you can tell by the title, this week has been
mostly spent in trains and buses. But I will give you the rundown of how
the week went... it was a pretty funny one. Most of our appointments by the way
fell out this week.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So on Tuesday, most of our appointments fell out and we met
an interesting man at a donershop who wanted to tell us the mysteries of
religion and all he learned on TV, which just had to be true. But then we
headed out Tuesday night to travel to a small town called Neumunster. So
on Wednesday, we had a meeting in Hamburg. And we could of left on Wednesday,
but that meant that we would of had to get up around 4 to get dressed, travel
from our apartment to the train station and then take a almost 2 1/2 hour train
ride to Hamburg. And we had to be there at 9:30 in the morning. So we decided
to overnight in the small city and we know the missionaries because they are in
our district. And then we made the travel over to Hamburg on Wedensday
and we had a meeting there til 6:00p.m. It was a good meeting and I was
reminded again the importance of practice and truly doing all we can in our
power to prepare ourselves for our lessons. Then we traveled back to
Flensburg after the meeting and got into Flensburg at 7 in the evening.
Thursday we had to travel back to Kiel for our districts meeting. So the
beginning of our week was traveling and meetings. And the at the end of
our week, we had a few service projects with members in the ward. We have
one family who bought a house and in their description "was built before
the restoration of the church" and they are remolding it. So it was
fun to work on a house again and it felt alittle bit like home. We also were
able to work in a soup kitchen this week, because that is what the Sisters
always did before us, and that was also very interesting. Fun, because it
reminds me a little bit like Bishops Storehouse, but with some really crazy
people. So that was what we did. We were able to meet with a member
of ours here in Flensburg who speaks portuguese and so we are starting to have
little study sessions with each other. I have gotten to the point where I
can pray in Portuguese and that is really fun, and this week I will be working
on how to testify in portuguese. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But that was mostly our week. We are still going
forward, even when it gets tough. We havent really seem to find a normal
pattern yet, for we have alot of appointments that fall out and so we are
trying our best to keep ourselves busy. But we dont get discouraged by
it. We just then have to find more creative ways, or sometimes go back to
basics, in order to find some interested people. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, love you all and I hope everything is doing good back
at home. I miss ya and I will talk to you next week!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Bretzing<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-74282560214914163592016-02-01T10:42:00.001-08:002016-02-01T10:42:11.317-08:00WEEK 2-1-2016 FIRST WEEK OF FEBRUARY<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey Family!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, I finally got smart. I always have my planner on
me but this time I decided to go through it to see what I did this week to tell
you what happened. It helps with the fine details. I don't know why I never thought of it before!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So this week we started to have a family home evening here
in Flensburg with some of the members. There is our ward missionary and
her husband is away in Bayern for about 3 months, so she asked if we could
start a family home evening thing there and so we started inviting some of our
friends. It was really nice. One family in the ward came and our
ward missionary who hosted the family home evening told us that she had the
feeling that it was really good for the other family. They felt special
that someone invited them. It was cool to see that just as small as
inviting someone to a family home evening, they felt a little almost as if
people cared for them. They came and had a good time. We are happy
too because it helps us to have a better relationship with the branch.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We also have made some hedway in the work here in
Flensburg. One of our friends that the sisters use to meet with decided
that she wants to get baptized! She is a great person and she is really
funny. Sometimes she scares me, because she has some crazy humor.
But she is never crude, and always starts laughing after she cracks a
joke. But it was great to see that. We will need to help her quit
smoking. That will be her biggest hurtle, but if she can do that than all
will be great. I have faith in her that she can do it. She had a
bad accident in the last few months, and so I think that is her major driving
force to quit smoking.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have also been finding some new people that are intrested
in hearing more about the gospel. A small and young Albanian family,
where the mom speaks almost perfect English and Italian, and the husband who
can speak German and Italian. And their mothertongue of Albanish.
But it is really funny because the lessons have been half English and half
German to help each other understand. We also found a young guy in his
early 20s and we have an appointment set out for this week. It was a
funny situation, because usually when we talk to people on the street, we like
to take turns, and I try to help Elder Ausobsky get use to talking to people on
the street. He has made some great progress and is doing good. But
this one, he must of not seen him or somthing because right as the young man
walked past us is when I jumped and said MOIN! (Which just means hi up here)
and so he stopped and Elder Ausobksy finished the conversation with him.
It was super funny.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We also had an unexpected Baptism that we saw this
weekend. Well, the baptism itself was not unexpected. It has been
planned for quite some time. But us going in there was unexpected.
We had originally planned to do a street display in Flensburg about family
history, but because of the rain, we were not able to do that, and then we get
a phone call from the missionaries in another city (the ones planning the
baptism) and we found out that one of the missionaries poped his shoulder out
of his socket, and so they asked if we could come as fast as we could.
That was a miracle within itself. So we got to go see a baptism this
weekend and it was rahter nice. The missionary who popped his shoulder is
also doing good, by the way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, that is all of the highlights that we saw this last
week. The time keeps on going. Life is doing good. The sun
was seen maybe for a total of 30 minutes this whole week. I am getting
really white. Like I am not so used to that, I think this summer Ill
spend alot of time at the beach. Its really the small things that matter
most when you cannot see the sun for a whole week. Not the whole because I dont
have a tan, but you have to stay happy because it just looks dreary out
there. So its nice to try to laugh every now and again and just remember
that one day soon the sun will come back. Until then, just keep pressing
on!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, that is what is going on in our neighborhood! I
love you all and I hope all the best for you in this upcoming week.
Mom... get better and rest! I know you like working and what not but get
better! I could reccomend 2 days of sleep. That helped me when I lost my
voice and it works wonders.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love You!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Bretzing<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-63003635634993700072016-01-25T10:06:00.001-08:002016-01-25T10:06:39.321-08:00WEEK 1-25-2016<div class="MsoNormal">
Howdy Everyone,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, it is already the last week of january.
Crazy. Next thing I know, it will be Mom's birthday. Oh P.S... HAPPY
BIRTHDAY HANNA! Man, she is getting old. What 26 now? Time flies...
I hope she has a fun birthday, especially because she will probably get baby
stuff. Or does that come later? I have no idea. But yeah, it seems
like pretty soon Moms birthday will be around the corner and that means I
should try to finally send my present from last year what I have held onto this
whole time. I know... I am horrible with packages and what not.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This last week has been sort of crazy. It is really
funny to see that there is a heater and everything back at home because it has
been -4 C this entire last week. It has been snowing too, and now it just
started to melt. I think I am in for a shock how warm it is back at
home. Or how dry it is. The humidity is what gets ya here. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As for the questions about transfers. Well, I knew
that I would be here in Flensburg for at least 2 transfers. This week is
week 2 of the 2 transfer. I do not think that I will stay here long
though. But who knows. For all that happens, I could end my mission
here. But its a different pace to work in a branch and an area where it
takes you about 1 1/2 hours of travel to get to your district meeting. We
keep ourselves busy, at least we try. We have been having some success
with finding people, but they dont really stay too long. I hope that we will
end up finding some people who really want to learn. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I guess what was noteworthy of this last weekend is that we
had a worldwide broadcast to all missionaries. It was good, but our
service in our church building was bad so we will need to watch some of it
again. I think my favorite part to be reminded about was from Elder
Bednar who said that teaching is not talking, but listening and
observing. So I want to improve my teaching skills.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, I love you all and I hope all is going great back at home.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Until next week!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Bretzing<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Training meeting in Berlin 1-2016</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(find my smiley Elder)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008995668010779491.post-83491742341652211932016-01-19T11:07:00.000-08:002016-01-19T11:07:09.908-08:00WEEK 1-18-2016 LOSS OF MY VOICE<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey Family!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well another crazy week with stories to tell. It
started off actually really well!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where to start... I think a noteworthy day for our history
here in Flensburg was on Tuesday. So on Tuesday, we had most of our
appointments because we had a meeting on Thursday in Berlin and so that meant
that we would be traveling most of the week. So we planned most of our
appointments for last Tuesday. We had 3 appointments with all single women.
And if you know anything about missionary work, we are not allowed to visit
single women. So we called and called and begged to get some members to
come with us, but they were all either working or studying because they had
exams this last week. So we went into planning this day kind of just
assuming that they would all fall out because we had no one to come with
us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So we planned some really good back up plans. So, as the day
came, things just started to fall into place. Our first appointment was
with a college student who moved from Kenya. She wanted to invite a
friend over but her friend couldn't come, so she asked us if we could meet at a
little cafe because she would not feel comfortable to have just us in her
apartment. We happily agreed and we were able to teach her more at this
little cafe. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The second lady, a old widow, as we came to her house for
our appointment, we rang the bell to see if she would answer and some random
guy answered the bell and let us in. Turns out, he was a friend of hers
and she just invited him over during the time we were supposed to come by. That
was cool, so we were able to stay and teach her and him. The third lesson
is with a high school student who moved from Spain. And as we were going to her
appointment, a member called us back and said that he found the time to come
with us. So that was really cool. The first day where no appointments
fell through! Woohoo. But the thanks goes all to God. I feel that we were
truly blessed to see miracles like that because we were prepared. It was
retaught to me the principle of being prepared. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then the traveling began. We left Wednesday afternoon to
travel to Hamburg in order to catch a ICE train to get us to Berlin. We
had about a 1 hour delay in Hamburg and so you know me and my relationship to
hamburg. We went out to see the town hall and a little bit of the
city. And then grabbed quick food and got onto the train for
Berlin. We stayed the night in Berlin and then on Thursday we had a
trainer trainee meeting in the mission home. Pictures should come soon,
but that was a nice little meeting. It was more centered on the new
missionaries. It was funny to see all the trainers raising their hands to
answer questions, but they really weren't called on. and I think President
Fingerle even said one time in the meeting that it was primarily focused on the
new missionaries. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was able to do a little bit of family history and I
have been finding a huge success with a part of our family tree from a little
town in Northern Germany called Schwerin. The Baumann family. the line of
the wife of Karl August Gottleib Bretzing. So that has been fun and I
found a whole bunch of ancestors, but I need a my heritage account to see
more. Do you have a my heritage account mom? I have a free one so I
can go into it a little bit. Then we hit the road again for Flensburg, but
sadly we would not of been able to make it back, so we stayed the night in
Kiel. And that is when I realized that my voice was really shaky and I
couldn't really speak very well and then on Friday morning, when I woke up, my
voice was completely gone. I had no idea what happened. and to put the
cherry on the top, we had district meeting on Friday. So as we had
district meeting, it was probably the quietest one I have ever had because i
could barely whisper. And then when I got home, I had barely no energy
and had headaches for some reason. So I was in bed from Saturday to
Sunday evening. Everything feels a little better and my voice is a little
raspy, but i think its going ok. We are still taking it a little slow,
but I have most of my strength back.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was weird not to go to church in almost 19 months.
That was really weird for me. but that was our week. This week is pretty
empty because I have been out of commission for the past few days, but we are
going to work on filling it up. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ok, so trip ideas. I am happy that President Fingerle
approved you to come pick me up. So the plan ideas. If we were to do
it for a couple of weeks, I would be ok with that, but like maximum 3. I
would love to visit both temples in Germany and if we would want to visit any
other ones in Europe. Like I would be down to go and see London. I
would love to also see Munchen in Bayern and Salzburg in Austria. And even
Switzerland. but then I cannot speak that German, I will just have to ask
everyone to speak either English or High German. I would love to maybe
see Italy. But we can do it if you want to see Paris. I would also
like to spend a few days in Hamburg and Berlin and Dresden and maybe visit with
members there. But that is my thoughts about it, otherwise be creative
and have fun with the planning of it. Just keep me in the loop of things,
but not to often. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Well ok, now I am going to go and try to talk to people
again, or at least have my companion do all the talking Ill just write stuff
down and use hand signals! I love you all and have fun and until next
week!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Elder Bretzing <o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10165899307184954080noreply@blogger.com0