Hellllloooooooo.

Hellllloooooooo.
So this week was a good one. I'm so incredibly grateful for the Spirit that has touched so many lives this season. I feel undeserving of the great lessons that Heavenly Father has taught me through the Holy Ghost. I have felt an abundance of strength this season. Family I cannot tell you how grateful I am to be a son of God in every sense of the phrase. What a blessing. I like this new area. The work is a little slow but I've met some good people and I'm sure that I'll meet many more great people. It was great talking to you on Christmas. I almost didn't know what to talk about as you probably could tell.

The new area is very rural. We spend a lot of time in the car. Also we have a huge shortage of proselyting time due to the holidays and exchanges and such. Elder Kicia is nice. He reminds me alot of a missionary that went home a while ago named elder leavitt. I loved that guy. Anywho there is some sweet things coming up. I might be able to go to a sealing of a family that was in wheatland named the Zepps. They are a sweet fam. There is nothing like seeing people progress in the Gospel. Man i love it. So as far as necessities go, i'm doing good. Thank you all for the gifts on Christmas. I'm still amazed at the powerhouse I have behind me namely you guys. Thank you all for the prayers too. I'm very grateful for you and the support you give me. So here's a great thing I learned this week! So you know the story of the Children of Israel in the wilderness after being led out of egypt. Well they received their manna daily right? Well that ties into the Lord's prayer in the Sermon on the Mount when He says, "Give us this day our daily bread." So the lesson learned is that we need to acknowledge our continual dependence on the Lord for the things we need. The Children of Israel didn't pray for the months supply of manna from God but rather the sufficient to get them through the day. To keep ourselves away from the "pride cycle" we need to continually express to our Heavenly Father our need of help from Him. He knows exactly what we need but he needs to hear it from us through the prayers of our hearts. I am realizing so much more that EVERYTHING good comes from Him and it comes out of love. He loves us and I testify of that.

I love you all and am grateful for you!

E. Baumgartner

So I've been called to be a Zone Leader...

Family!
I've had a stellar week yo. I got a transfer call to auburn! I'm leaving today. Right before Christmas. Great. So I've felt incredibly blessed this past week. Like undeservingly so. We had the zone Christmas party. Thank you all for the presents and I wish I could give more to you all. I know I've said this before but I love Christmas time. My new companion is going to be elder Kecia. I heard he's a really great guy. So our ward has been really nice. They gave us too much for Christmas. Sorry this email is going to be small. So I've been called to be a Zone Leader. It will be interesting to see what it will be like. pray for me. I really am humbled by this work. I want to let you all know that it is only through the enabling power of the Godhead that I am able to do any of the things that i'm doing. I feel honored to be able to work so closely with the Lord. I am grateful for the support that I receive not only from Him but from you all as well. I send my sincerest gratitude to everyone. I love you all and know that you are always there for me. About the call I'm pretty sure that it will still be at 8:30 but it may have to change to about 9:00 but it will be right around there. I love you all and will talk to some of you on Christmas! Godspeed
Elder B

Baums Elves with Alivia

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

I love you all and give thanks for all that you do.

Hey family!
So what is new this week? Well I love the Christmas season. On our tracting extravaganza yesterday was pretty ridiculous. As we knocked and knocked and knocked we met some major scrooges. I try and stay positive when tracting but sometimes it's hard. We were drenched in the rain and the peeps were stone cold. There was this one where I thought it was moving into a bible bash but we kept it non-contentious and she ended up accepting the commitment to read and pray about the Book of Mormon. It was great! We're going to see her this week. You know what I love about the scriptures. All scripture points away from itself to the true source of all knowledge. That source being our Lord Jesus Christ. I read over Elder Holland's talk just recently that he gave in April. It inspires me to tell the world that The revelation from our Heavenly Father continues and always will! I Love telling this, the most important message to flow through the ears of everyone on the Earth. I wish, with Alma, that i could shout it among all nations with the zealous voice of an angel. This work is going forth and with more speed than we now realize. One of the greatest feelings I've ever had is when the whisper of the Holy Ghost tells me that God is using me as an instrument in His hand. What a privilege. I did get the packages from Grandma and the Jordans. Thank you all so much. I want to end this email with my testimony. I know that Christ lives and that He loves you and I and brothers and sisters and children of God. I am overwhelmed by His love and willingness to succor us in times of need. One of the things that I love about Christmas is, even though people lose focus of the true meaning, there will always be the Spirit of charity toward our family, friends, and complete strangers. Service toward our fellow beings shows love for our God. I know that as we continue to seek out the Lord this holiday season, the Spirit of the love of Him who is Holy will enter into our hearts and satisfy any need or want. I so testify in the name of The Only Begotten of the Father, our Lord Jesus Christ. amen.

I love you all and give thanks for all that you do.

Elder B.

New pictures of Elder B.

Drew was able to confirm a new member this week. It was a great experience for him!

Cool Christmas decorations!

I think this is a missionary in Drew's district. He loves his district...

So there's the weekly report!

Hello!
So this past week was a good one. There is a scripture found in Alma 26 or 27 that describes the feelings that I have. It is where Ammon sits his brothers down to talk with them after they have converted thousands. He offers praises to the Most High. I can feel the overwhelming power of the spirit whenever I offer gratitude to Heavenly Father. Especially this past weekend. Ed Roldan was baptized and confirmed. I really cannot express to you the happiness that I have. During testimony meeting in church, he got up to bear his testimony and thanked all of those who helped with the baptism. I started to tear up as he said, "I know the church is true." Also he said that he feels The Spirit. It was one of those moments that make you realize the immense power that our Lord has in the lives of us and those around us. I love this season too. Being out here I've realized how many people need our testimonies of the divinity of our Savior. That is one of the advantages of being out here. I get to do that all day everyday. I do recognize the unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that i have at this point in my life. it's grrrrreat! So we played manball today. It is basketball but we use deep voices. We have the coolest district too if i don't say so myself. We are doing a secret santa this year. Because they live in the same complex we might go over there at like 4 in the morning on Christmas to do gifts. We're going to film it too. I'll have to send you the video. We have the Santa run too. We might watch wall.e or something.
So My time is running thin... Ky sounds like you're doing awesome buddy. Keep up the good work! So there's the weekly report!

Thanksgiving was sweet!

Well hey there family!
This email is going to be a little short but I'll make it as sweet as i can. Um baptism this Saturday! We had a lesson with him to finalize everything and he's super stoked. So are we. It is going to be great! Thanksgiving was sweet! We did not eat as much as we planned but we did pig out. So the other day I ran into a guy that Matt (brother-in-law Matt) trained when he was on his mission. His last name is Evans. Small world. He gave me his info but i forgot to bring it. So things are great. You know in the spirit of Thanksgiving I would love to tell you all how much I appreciate and love you. I could not have asked for a better family to be sent to. At times i feel very undeserving of the things that I have, especially you all. I've learned out here that thanksgiving is not only a privilege but it is a commandment. To show our appreciation for all that we have we must serve those around us. Hence the giving part of thanksgiving. It is because of the love that our Heavenly Father has for me (and all of us) and drives me to serve all i can to the best of my ability. You all have been amazing examples to me of how we give. One of my most prized memories is when we went out among the homeless people and gave that which we had. I am in awe of the many opportunities that we have to just simply help someone out. I love you for all the help that you've given me. Thank you. Also i did receive the packages! thanks!
Forever your friend and son and brother and grandson and nephew. Yep
Elder Baumgartner

Drew's Rendition of Since You Been Gone

Letterino

Hey Family!!
Mom i was hoping that my mail got to you already. fear not you'll probably get it today. So Thanksgiving is going to be sweet. We are going to have like 3 dinners. If you sleep between each one it works out nicely. I got transfer calls today and i'm staying through Christmas. I really enjoy this area. There are some good folk. Well this past transfer has been a transfer of miracles for sure. I'm constantly seeing the hand of the Lord throughout my day. And it is all because of faith... Elder Hansen has naturally had a huge amount of faith and as it has boosted mine i've been able to see the tremendous strength of the Lord. In one of the conference talks this past conference, one of the general authorities shared the knowledge that Christ's parables are so simple and plain that a child can get all he needs out of it and so complex that the most intelligent on the Earth cannot grasp the fullness of it unless he humbles himself. This knowledge applies to missionary work and in our everyday lives. There are certain things that God wants to give us but it is based upon our faith and will. We need to align our word with God's and we need to align our will with God's. He expects us to keep learning all throughout life and with added knowledge He will give us more responsibility and stewardship. But He will do that based upon our faith and action. God loves us more than any of us realize and wants us to succeed but we need to show Him that we want to succeed. Show forth your faith, try your faith, and take advantage of the oppurtunities that He gives us. We are His soldiers and we will receive the due reward as we march forward. I feel like i'm preaching to the choir but I've learned alot lately and thought i ought to share some of it. I'm doing very well and i can feel the strength of all of you supporting me. I thank you all for all that you do. I hope the holidays go well with everyone I need some addresses so I can send some cards. Picture cards! so if you want one/want me to send one to someone, give me the address! Love you all!!!!
E. Baum

Look! ooooooooo

So that is the Sport Center edition...

So basically I just got thru writing you a good size email and the computer shut off. So I'll have to give you the Sport Center version now. E. Hansen dislocated his finger playing football today. It was sweet. The baptism was way nice. One of the most spiritual experiences of my life. I have yet to take my bike in. Mom I have a letter to send out to you for your b-day so be expecting. There is a guy that we're teaching that committed to baptism on the 6th. He is way nice. We have been finding people to teach like crazy. I'm doing great. There are some pics included. I'm having loads of fun. There isn't anything really that I need. I did buy a coat for the winter that was pre cheap but super nice that the Pendleton's found at Cosco. My long one doesn't really work on the bike. Transfers are coming soon. A week from Tuesday. I'm having tons of fun. Dad there aren't too many people that give us crap for the whole Prop 8 deal but on occasion there are some crazies that will "speak their mind" to us. We have district meetings every week and since they live in our same complex we see them almost every day. Scubaing in sweet! I'd love to join you all when I get back. Mexico Should be sweet. So that is the Sport Center edition. I love you all and Hope that you have a grrrrrreat week!

E. B!

So this week was a grrrrreat one!

So this week was a grrrrreat one!
I found out, while we were up in Gridley for Trainer/Trainee meeting, that Bailey that I taught up in Gridley is getting baptized on Sat. So I've decided to go. You can do that once in your mission so I figured that now would be as good a time as ever. Also one of the investigators that we have here has decided to get baptized. Heavenly Father is definitely softening the hearts of the people here. I can't believe how many people are opening up to the gospel. There are alot of people at the same time lashing out against the church about prop 8 if you haven't heard already. We don't get bothered too much. Many people respect the church for standing up for what we believe in. I hope it helps people see that a true church of God will not back down on true doctrine. So this week we were teaching this family and I broke down while I was speaking about Heavenly Fathers relationship with us in comparison to our fathers that we have down here on Earth. I love you Dad, I owe most of who i am to you. And you owe most of who you are to mom! I hope that i'm making you all proud. I am trying my best. I think thats the first time in my life when I can honestly say that. So there are a few items that I need for the bizike. Sorry I feel like i'm sayin that too often but my brakes are done for and my chain is rusted over but yeah. I'll prob take it in next week... Sorry i'm lame this week. I don't have much to say but I love you all and thank you all for the support and such. Much love
Elder B.

Heavenly Father's hand is in all that I do

Hey Family!
Things are going great. I have gained a firm testimony of modern-day miracles. This week I was able to participate in Mariah's baptism into the Church. Beforehand I knelt down and offered up a prayer to ask Heavenly Father for the spirit that my efforts may be consecrated in Christ's name. As I did so the spirit overwhelmed me. Heavenly Father's hand is in all that I do. I'm very blessed to have part in His work. I testify to you that I have seen and felt the strength of Christ lifting me up. He is the way and the light. He will give us anything according to the desires of our hearts if we seek the building up of His kingdom first. Halloween was pretty fun. We played risk. I hate risk but it was fun to hang out with the district. The holidays are rapidly approaching. I love Christmas time because no matter who you are, your thoughts turn to the Savior at some point during Christmas. It's awesome in every sense of the word. So BYU... yeah. They're doin great haha. So the rain is back. I enjoy it for a little and then it gets a little annoying. I need to get like a wind-breaker or something to keep the rain off. So Bball today was intense. I still suck but i'm getting ok. I get frustrated. Sorry there isn't a whole lot to report this week. I'm havin' tons-o-fun. That is whats so great about the Lords work. You work hard at it. He strengthens you. I love doing the Lord's work. That is sweet that you had the missionaries teach the class. Strengthening the members' understanding of the doctrine will to more to increase their trust in you and excite them to do missionary work than anything else you can do. (Strait out of PMG, not word for word but you get it.) We right now are trying to teach lessons 1,2, and 3 to every fam in the ward. So far it is going well. Welp my time is running thin. I love all of you! Have a grrrrrreat week.
Elder B.

"The Lord will work mighty miracles in your life according to your faith."

Hey,
It is good to hear from all of you. I hope as i email that you do not receive any misconception of the respect that i have for all of you, my companion, my leaders, and myself. Let's face it i love all of you! I heard about the Y game. They're struggling for sure. They will be good though I have full invested faith haha. So the work is going well. I really feel the faith that comes from my companion. E. Hansen is a great guy. As we have sought out the elect of God we have seen many miracles this week. Mariah is getting baptized this week on Saturday! I'm way excited. man I cannot believe the faith that she has as well. I think alot about the word faith and all that it includes. I think so often that Heavenly Father could just tell us the list of people to see and we would go teach them and the work would just skyrocket. There is a certain amount of faith that is needed to do it this way though. In true to the faith it states, "The Lord will work mighty miracles in your life according to your faith." Daily i see the Lords hand in the work. Like i've said before, I'm nothing out here without his helping hand guiding me along the way. I can't believe the miracles that i've see by His hand. Some are too sacred to casually speak of over email. I have a testimony of faith and the necessity of it down here. Heavenly Father loves us so much that he gave us the ability to choose for ourselves to follow him. I saw symbolism of this throughout my life growing up with the best parents in the world. I still don't know how you pulled it off. I did receive the money cards and honestly it was more than what i could've asked for. thank you so much. You all are an amazing example to me. I'm grateful for all of you and the Love that you've shown for me. So for Halloween the other elders in our complex bought a fog machine and we're going to play chess that night in the fog haha. Stupid I know but we have to be in that night by 6 pm. I want to let all of you know how much i'm loving it out here. I've grown alot. There are so many things that i would've missed out on if it weren't for all of you and your guidance and example. Much love!
Your Missionary

...spiritual thought for the day 1st john ch. 4: 7-9. Look it up!

Howdy family
So to answer the questions... My comp is sweet. I always treat him like he is a baby haha. I use baby talk after he's done talking to someone. Whats funny is he does really good. Better than me most times. He's a stud. So about a month ago he was talking with grandma B face to face. Appearently his grandma and our are great friends. His name is elder hansen. I need to take a pic and send it to grandma. I got all the packages. Thank you all so much. It's more than i could have asked for. thank you! The ring fits great. There are 6 missionaries in our district. One of them (E. Maughan) went to grandwiew and graduated '06. I saw him at one of the stake dances once. We're going to write a letter to President Hillier from both of us. My B-day was just like any other day haha. Although there was a family that wanted to take me out to pizza and bought me a 49ers shirt. They're sweet. Also another fam wants to take us out for my hump day and we're going to the olive garden. I'm pretty pumped. The members in this ward will do anything for us and it's sweet because it helps out so much with the work. I've grown to love the peeps out here, not just the members but everyone. Hansen loves to pump me up too. He's just super enthusiastic all the time. it's sweet. Ky buddy the decision is up to you. The 360 is sweet and you have alot of games but the Playstation is tight too and it saves us from buying a blu-ray player later. That is a tough decision... I'd probably go with the PS3 but it is totally up to you. Save up some muns so you can get some games for it too. the cougs let me down man. It's ok I want to be there when they have their BCS birth. We'll still have to see how they do the rest of the season but as of yet i'm disappointed. not that that means anything haha. It is going to be a good week. I made E. Hansen wake up at twelve midnight on my birthday to sing me happy birthday and it was pretty funny. thanks too for the video haha i loved it. Well Thanks again for all that you do! I love you so much. Also spiritual thought for the day 1st john ch. 4: 7-9. Look it up!

Happy Birthday Drewbee!

Our first attempt to sing Happy Birthday to Drewbee...



Happy Birthday Drewbee TAKE TWO...

Well, I hope you had a happy birthday. No longer a teenager! Weird. How does it feel??

"I know my family loves me and I know they love me too."

Hey Family!

So this week is crazy. Prez called me up on sunday and asked me if i would train a new missionary. Also he called me to be dist leader over the district. So many new things happening. I heard about the Y game. Sweet! Elder Nance (one of my Zone Leaders) and i might paint our faces for interviews on Friday. It'll be sweet. I doubt that prez is gonna let us watch a game but i might be able to catch a peek during a dinner or something. I'm very anxious to see what my new comp is gonna be like and it'll be interesting remenissing on my greenie days. I'm gonna pull a prank i think but i don't know what i'm gonna do. All in good humor of course. So this week sis hansen from our ward came up to us and told us how much of an influence we had on her son that is 21ish and has been semi-active for a while. Her heartfelt testimony strengthened mine based on the fact that there are certain people in the areas in which we reside that only we can have affect on. Heavenly Father continues to teach me as i go preach His gospel and i've found that there are many things that He has given me strength to do when otherwise i would not have had the ability. I am a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ and that sentence alone gives me the strength to do anything that is in His will. His glory is my glory. So i'm 20 this week. Some of the ward members want to take me out this week for pizza and some chipotle. It's gonna be good. It is good to hear that you all are doing well. Ky keep up the good work buddy. Mom I want to go to the temple sometime this month. I understand what you mean when you speak of the power and the Spirit that resides within those walls. It's like a heavenly energy drink. Maybe not the best analogy but it gives me so much strength and gives the boost i need while i am out here. Dad the Y is kickin'. We need to hit up a ton of games when i get back. If we're lucky enough i'll be attending there for the summer and then that fall you guys can come to Provo and go to all the games! Well thank you all for all that you do. And in the words of a poet name Kyler, "I know my family loves me and I know they love me too."

Elder drewber scoober Baumgartner

Subject: Your most loved son/grandson/brother

Family!

Wasn't conference just great. it was. I can't say that i can pick out a favorite talk but i really liked this conference. It answered alot of our investigators q's and gave them the kick in the butt they needed. It always strengthens my testimony of revelation when i watch the apostles talk. millions of people have questions about something or other and i'd go as far as to say that every single one gets answered. Neato. So the mission is going great! One of our investigators named Mariah set a date for the 18th of october. I'm excited for her. she watched all of conference and said that she loved it. We are teaching many lessons which is good. President Pendleton wants us to teach 20 lessons a week and we've only hit it once. It is difficult but it is helping us and our area so much. he promised immediate results and i'm excited to see the blessings that come upon the people. Heavenly Father assured me that He is going before me in my labors. That felt really good haha. Some of these folks here just do not want anything to do with us and I feel i've become too accustomed to the no's that we receive. It is a day to day struggle. I don't know whether i'll be transfered but it could happen. I do get transfered alot. for being a year out i have had alot of comps and alot of areas. It'll be interesting to see what the Lord has in store for me in this next year. I'm excited. While at priesthood I saw a 12 or 13 yr old with his dad and he was sleeping on his dad's shoulder while the dad slept on his own hands haha. I thought about the times that dad and i were at conference and tried to stay awake with eachother. It was a funny flashback. I miss those times but i know that many great times are ahead. I told you that i'd do inventory this week. I really don't need much. maybe a couple short sleeved shirts and i need to fix up my bike a little. other than that i'm good. Also if you have any CD's of Motab that would be great. Elder Ballard came out and said that missionaries don't need Ipods or anything so I gave mine to the AP's and they put it in my "go home" box for after the mish. So any Motab would be great. Or classical i like that too. But i'm doing great and know that i'm doing my best to honor you all while i'm out here. I feel so blessed to be with you all and i couldn't ask for more.

Love your son/grandson/brother

Elder B

...today we went to our ward mission leaders house to see his two cows get shot and slaughtered...

So fam.

Bright and early today we went to our ward mission leaders house to see his two cows get shot and slaughtered. That was an experience. A crazy one. Mom sorry i haven't answered all your questions. I try but sometimes i miss some. Soooo this week one of our investigators said she wanted to be baptized. It was pretty crazy because we were planning on setting a date with her but in the middle of the lesson she was like i'm gonna get baptized by my uncle. I was like sweet my job here is done haha. She's awesome, I commited her to pray about the BOM and she was like oh yeah i've done that and know that it's true. Ok perfect. So thats exciting news. Also I blew a flat two days ago and bought a tube and fixed it and everything and then found out that the tube came with a hole in it. I was frustrated to say the least. It ended the night pretty much. But now i'm back in business because i borrowed this kid's bike thats in my ward. I'm takin the tube back today. anywho So many exciting things for you all! Ky buddy nice work. Pimp fa life. You are meant for some great things brotha and i mean that. You're going to be a powerful force for good so remember always to rep your beliefs and continue to be the example that i know you are. Wait wait wait you're telling me that alexis is now cleaning and making dinner and doing laundry consistantly? Isn't that one of the signs of the times? Haha kiddin i told you that you'ld make a great mom and who could doubt? Livi has it made with you two. Just pray that she wont be like you when you were a teenager haha. Dad BYU is kickin! 7th in the coaches poll and 8th in the country? sick! How is working at the temple going? Sweet i bet. I'm going soon. Maybe for my B-day. It'll be sweet! Talmage wrote Jesus the Christ in the temple and said that it was all through the spirit of the temple. Pretty sweet. Amazing things happen there for sure. Matt if you hit 290 by the time i get back then i'll buy you a candy bar. haha Sounds good huh. Maybe I'll hang it in front of you and you walk on the treadmill haha. i could see it. Also the pics of Alivia are so cute. I bought a little 2 gig drive to store all those pics and stuff on. I'll take an inventory this week of the things i need. It's not much most of my shirts are good and my pants are good too. I have enough Gs so i'm doing pretty good but i'll see if there is anything... I do need to take my bike in to get a tune up and everything and that is like $50 so that will happen within the next month. Also transfers are the 14th so just send the package to the mission office if you send it around then so if i transfer then i'll still get it. Lets see theres the weekly report! I love all of you and hope you have a grrrrrreat week!

E. Baum

Rado...

Familia,
Yo soy missionero de la iglesia de Jesuchristo de los santos de los ultimos dias. comparto un mensaje de Jesuchristo y su evangelio. So hecka funny story. We were out street contacting last night and there was a lady walking on the sidewalk listening to her ipod and so we pulled up and I said hello and she jumped hardcore. She almost jumped off the sidewalk haha. I couldn't even say anything! Holding back my laughter i said, sorry and rode off. It was really funny. I felt bad but I didn't know what to say. Anywho we had Zone Conference this last week and pres is really pushing for 20 lessons a week, whether it is to members or investigators, and he promised us immediate results in the work. I'm excited! Rarely do we get immediate results in the work and so this will be very exciting. This area is doing just as i thought it would. It is booming. There are alot of people that have been prepared for the gospel in this area and all we have to do is to trust in the Lord to know what to do, where to go and what to say. I was reading my patriarchal blessing and a certain part really stood out to me this time. It gives me a promise based upon my ability to magnify the callings that Heavenly Father sees fit to give me. I started thinking about how to magnify my calling as a missionary and found that this certain calling given me is not a two year contract but rather an eternity's worth of devotion to the commitments that i've taken upon myself. There is one simple thing that we need to do in order to receive all we've ever wanted and more. Keep the commandments. EVERYTHING else will fall in line. Anywho Elder Keyser is sweet. He's from Heber. He enjoys snowboarding and doing missionary work. It is a nice companionship. He is one of those go getters so we have no problem getting the work done. His last comp wouldn't leave the apartment till 4 in the afternoon. I am grateful that we are comps because we are both growing to be greater missionaries and tools in the Lords hands. Lifes going well. I love what i'm doing and rest easy because i know that it is worth it. It is always worth it. Byu spanked Wyoming! We have a former tightend in our ward named Mike Franks. He was a freshman when byu took the Championship back in the day like 20 years ago. BCS bowl for sure. I'm feelin it. Alivia is so freakin' cute! Man i can't wait to meet her. Also Ky go gettem' buddy. I will allow you to use my phrase back in the day for your campain. Who's your daddy? But don't feel obligated you work your magic homes. Anywho I love you all and am so grateful to have this power-house behind me. Sometimes i feel like i can hear your prayers and i thank you for every single one of them.
Forever Yours
Elder Baumgartner. Also i've received the nickname Rado out here. You know because of Colorado. It's cool i think.

Man i love the mish!

So Fam!
I'm going to have all my messages forwarded from Myldsmail to gmail because myldsmail keeps going a ll weird and won't let people email me. So you can just send it here or to myldsmail and it'll get to me. Sounds like life is treating you all well. Man i love the mish. At church this sister came up to us and said that she enjoyed the spirit that we brought into her house when we came over for dinner. Her 20 yr old son was there and she said that his whole attitude changed after we ate there and he was like a whole new person. That is one of the greatest things of being a missionary. You ALWAYS have the spirit with you when you are doing all the things you need to. We carry the spirit unto the hearts of all those that will allow it in. I had a profound thought yesterday and this maybe a once in a lifetime thing because profound thoughts are not in my nature but i was thinking about how a missionary has success while out in the mission. We know that it is not in the baptisms that we have or even all the people that we help but it is measured in the number of times that your knees hit the floor in offering prayer to our heavenly father. It is so true. Absolutely nothing gets done out here save it is by and through our eternal God. I'm so happy to have the knowledge that i do. I pray every night that i wont take it for granted ever. But yeah. The BYU game must have been sweet. We have some byu fanatics in the ward so they gave me the shpeal on how it went. They kicked their trash. Also Colin is going on a mission!!! As you already know. I am so incredibly happy for him. Man there is nothing greater that you can do than to serve the Lord. And to serve him full time is often a once in a lifetime oppurtunity. Roseville is tight and we're having tons of fun. This area is just going to blossom and show forth the fruit of the ward's labors. How exciting. Read the Lords interssesory prayer and think about missionary work. It's pretty tight. My ring size is 9. and thank you for the package. I needed a stash for this apartment. I'm out of tizime, but I love you all and am so happy for the blessings that we all have received as a family from our Heavenly Father. We are incredibly blessed. Well much love!!
Your happy missionary, Elder Drew Baumgartner

Howdy folks!

Howdy folks,
Man i'm so glad people are sayin that it's going to cool down soon. I'll tell ya Cali is not the place to live. Everythings expensive and its hotter than anything. So we had a lesson with this family and it was E. Keyser and i, The APs and Pres that taught them. I can't remember if i told you last week. It went really well except for the fact that at the beginning we were talking about how the AP's have moved in with members in citrus heights who have a mansion and I jokingly i said, "what a rough life they have." MAJOR mistake. Pres looked me dead in the eye and said, "You don't even know how hard they work" and went on a speech about them getting up at 4 in the morning and other things. Elder Kunz (one of the APs) and i laughed about it afterwards. It was pretty funny. This family is extremely close to baptism but they have a few hang ups. This area is just going to blossom. The APs had so many other things to do that this area has hardly been touched. it's nice... so Mom how is it going with that family? Have they taken interest in coming to church or coming over to eat at the house? Let me know. Also how is everyone doin? I havent heard from Alexis in ages and I only here about Ky a little bit. I'm sure you're all busy but throw me a bone here. On a more spiritual subject I was reading yesterday during sacrament and I was drawn towards the sermon on the mount in Matthew 6 and was reading about keeping the eye single. I love the fact that while i'm out here I can work on that alot. Without keeping my eye single to his glory there is no way that i can do anything worth while. I've come to find out alot of things out here. But thats a subject for a different day. Love you all and have a good one!

I had no idea sunscreen was so expensive...

Family!
Yeah it was a quick area. I got shotgunned into the area with elder keyser. That means that we both moved into the area at the same time. The AP got who covered the area went to being Zone Leaders so we took their area. Dalton is training. Shotgunning is sweet and not sweet at the same time. There is loads of work to do and we don't know anything about anything. haha my apartment is tight. it's brand new. It's a bike area but i think eventually they will have to give us a car. the area is huge. Sounds like you guys had fun this last weekend. The library i'm sittin in is so fancy. It's been so hot too. I had no idea sunscreen was so expensive till i got out here. Its a rip off. It was weird movin after just one transfer. unexpected for sure. Sorry there is not much to report this week i'm just settling in. Elder Keyser is pretty cool I think we'll get along alright. We met our ward mission leader and he's crazy. Well much love. Its suppose to cool down too this upcoming week. k love you all and hope that you all have a good week.
Word
Elder Baumgartner

God knows all!!

Hello family!
I'm glad you liked the pics. We do some dumb stuff haha. I'm glad to here from you and glad to know that some of you are getting into the missionary zone. I wont mention any names but you others need to get your butts in gear haha. Joseph Smith said, "after all is said and done, your greatest duty is to preach the gospel" or something to that effect. it's in PMG. Man i want to go rafting. That sounds sick! My little bro has the Priesthood! Honor it with your life kid. God has high hopes for you son. He trusts you. So the broadbents kept their commitment to pray about setting a date and she said that she prayed in her car and the second she looked up a restoration truck drove by. Not only that but a second one came too. Haha talk about your signs. They are days away from making the commitment. They fasted with us yesterday. It was sweet. The work is going well! Hecka slow but well. Abe mailed me from Aussie land. He's doing well. He has had some hard times but he has survived. Also Taylor almost got mugged like three times this week. Luckily we only get emotional abuse haha. They say thats the worst kind though. Anywho one of the members showed us the Sports illustrated where they ranked byu at 17 and showed the season. We're getting a BCS invite this year. We just have to take down washington early on and win conference again. Cake. Mom keep up the good work! Pray for the inspiration on what to do to introduce a gospel subject with this family. God knows all! as you well know.

Well family I love you all. Richard looks hecka old doesn't he? I'm glad he has the knowledge of the gospel that he has. He'll be a sweet seminary teacher someday. Also get him a wife. Gosh. He doesn't have much longer. He's freakin thirty. Have fun this week. Much love.

Elder B.

Ayo Familia,

ayo familia,

So there are many things to say... A couple nights ago we had a lesson with the Broadbents (a family that we are working with) and they turned down our invite to set a date for baptism. Kind of a bummer but she is praying earnestly for answers to questions that are personal so things are looking up. They're good to go they just need to step up to the plate. We fasted for a family yesterday and am glad we did because finding here in Roseville is very hard. We're doing a new program of working with 5 families in the ward and helping them in finding efforts. It is going very well. The only way to do missionary work is by getting the members jazzed about missionary work. Speaking of missionary work how is all of yours going? any prospects? What we do with the families is ask them to pray about all the people in their lives that could use the gospel and then work with them on the steps to introduce the gospel to two or three of those people. It really gets them hopped up when they start thinking day to day missionary efforts. Quite miraculous so our work is looking up. K fam here it is. Will you all sit down as families and pray about the people that you know that could use the gospel in their lives? By next email I want you to report on the list. You don't have to tell me the names just tell me that you did it. There are people everywhere and it seems alot harder than it is. I know that you all have brought your strapping young boy/brother that is on a mission in your conversations maybe daily. What a good way to kick off your gospel conversations! Also mention Church when you run through your weekend's activities when conversing with your coworkers slash friends. Family it really is through the members that this work moves forward. We're continuing to work well on our own salvation, now let's help someone else out with theirs. I promise you that, as i've said before, there is no greater satisfaction and gratification than helping people see the light. Christ lives and loves all of us. He heads His true church on the Earth and has a living prophet to "[reveal] his secrets" to. What a blessing it is. I'm grateful to you all and hope that you get my pics and my letter soon. I sent it out on friday. Ky buddy aren't you so excited?! the big 1-2 baby! The letter I wrote in the package is for you so don't think i'm neglecting my little bro's birthday alright? Also matt i met someone that served in your mission the same time you served. I don't know his last name but he said he knew of you and that you were a pretty tight guy. What a freakin liar. haha Well you all are doing well yeah? I love you all and can't wait to hear on the progress of the missionary work next week.

p.s. the money spent was for some bike stuff. Bikes are so freakin expensive. I got a light and a quick release lever and it cost like 30 bucks but thats life.

p.s. 2 hows the babe doing alexis?

Elder Baumgartnertion: Keep-Alive

Hey fam!
Sorry today has been a little nuts and i have a very short time to email you all but I'm doing good. I made a CD of pics and stuff so i'll send that right away. There aren't too many pictures that you haven't seen so i'll be sure to take some more. I'm so grateful for all of you and all the support that you give me. I'm very blessed to have all the things that I have. Expect some mail from me and I need to do some dry cleaning and stuff this week. I love you!
Elder Baumgartnertion: Keep-Alive

Go squadron go!!

Heya!
So Roseville is sweet! I like the city. Most of the nights we hit up this park and contact a ton of people. On Tuesday I'm going on splits with the ZLs and they live in a mansion. Yeah it's going to be sweet. anuwho the work is good. So one night when we went to the park to contact people and we got into a bash. So we went up to introduce ourselves and the guy was like you're not elders because we're not old enough. at first i thought he was joking but then it went downhill fast. We said we were sharing a message about Jesus Christ and then he said, "You aren't Christians." 30 minute story short; He went on about how he was a pastor at Bayside (this church that preaches strictly anti down here). He asked me if i've ever pastored a church. I responded that i've talked in church before. He exclaimed harshly the difference in the two. I asked him where he got his authority from to which he pronounced that his church saw his abilities and chose him or something. I then told him of the twelve apostles and how they were chosen, not because of their abilities of being fishers but because of their meekness and lowliness of heart and given the priesthood by the laying on of hands. Then he did the only thing he could think of and switched the subject to "our brothers" in texas that are on the news. We left then. I was about to give the, "I will stand before you at the judgement bar" speech but refrained and left. It was a tough one. We had to knock on our neighbors door and vent to them when we got home. It was a long night. But the work rolls forth. Other than that i'm having a blast. I finally have a comp that i have alot in common with. Not that i'm complaining about my past comps but its hecka tight. He looks like the real life doug funny. I'll send some pics. I love you all and sorry i didn't really give you anything uplifting about my week but thats how the work goes. The ward is sweet too. They're treating me nicely. Thank you for the package and everything that you all do for me. Oh and we need to step up the competition. I know we can pull through if we all work together. I've gotten one chick letter and he has two. Go squadron go!
Much love!
Elder B!

I'm in Roseville!

Family guess what?!
I'm in roseville. haha. So the story goes that Elder Dalton (one of the elders i came out with) was going to train this transfer and when he got to "meet your trainer" The kid went all depressed and bailed on him. So tuesday night I received a call at 5 o'clock from Elder Bozung saying, "Hey elder Baumgartner. Can you be packed in 2 hours?" Yeah it was nuts. President wanted me to come down so Elder Dalton and I could work with this kid but by thursday he had made his mind up and went home. Poor little dude. He will never understand what he missed out on. So naturally Dalton and I were reminissing about our missions and expressed how much we loved them. And so naturally that day everything went wrong. We rode out a good hour to look for this house and couldn't find it. Dalton got a flat and had to fix it at a gas station. The very next day I fell on the way to a baptism and scuffed up one of my suit pants. Like scuffed up. My shirt was all dirty. I'll send you pics. I got a good raspberry on my arm. And the whole time all of this went on we could not stop Laughing and smiling. It is so incredible to me how no matter what happens out here you can't feel down. I mean i've felt down but never for long periods of time or anything. Anywho Dalton is tight. We get along really well. His nickname is doug funny. When i send you pics you'll know why. He's a utahn in circleville down by brice canyon. He's sweet. Hey parents i need some help. I had planned out my budget perfectly for gridley so i bought my groceries and then got the transfer call. also I need some new slacks. So i'm gonna need to use some bones today. I also need to know the addresses of my cousins so I can see if they're in my area. I can't remember what my ring size is. Just get matt's ring size and maybe downsize by one. He's a pudge. I'll get another CD of pics out asap. Most of the Good ones i think i've sent you but i'll definitely do that.
So feel free to send me a gift card or somethin. haha just kidding. They've got everything here in roseville. and there is so many people. Gosh it's nothing like i'm use to. I've now been in the north and the mid and the south. Sweet. Oh I need everyone to pull through for me on this favor. So Dalton and I are having a "Chick mail" contest for the entire transfer and whomever wins gets a free lunch. I need you to contact some friends. I know we can pull out the -W- if we work together. This isn't about the lunch mind you it's about pride. haha. Well I love you all and always know how much i appreciate you.
Love sweet love
Elder Baumgartner.

Fam-a-lam-a-ding-dong, What's crackin'...

Fam-a-lam-a-ding-dong
Whats crackin'. It is hecka hot out here man. But it has cooled off a little. I played tennis this morning with a 4.0 playa and won in a third set tie break. It was tough. my strokes need fixin' but i fared alright. I didn't help sis mcdowell with her tennis team because she had plenty of help but her husband was the one i played this morning. We'll have to come visit them when you guys come out to pick me up. They are sweet. It's transfer day today and i'm getting another companion in addition to elder glad. His name is Nelson i believe. I'm staying here for another. That will make 6 months in gridley after this transfer. Wow. The work is going quite well. I asked heavenly father to keep me here for another because there is alot of work to do. Thats the first time he's left me in an area after i've asked that. There are three people that we are progressing towards baptism right now and we picked up another investigator yesterday. He's 83 and wants to get baptised. Do you know how miraculous that is! Old people are so stubborn. They get set in their ways and dont care one lick of what you have to say. Even after they've felt the spirit. I can't tell you how much i love the work. I know that each trial that is placed before us missionaries is another chance to succeed and make God proud of us. I often think about what it is going to be like on the other side when you stand there before Christ and Heavenly Father (being clean) and having Them say good work. I knew i could count on you. I also often think of the amazing capabilities we have as little tiny people on a little tiny planet. Only through the grace of God can we become grand and mighty. Think of children. How much of a blessing it is to bring one or two or twenty of God's children into the world. Of course with the exception of Ky and i, you all know how that feels. Speaking of Ky good work buddy. Freak you're a natural born star thug. Keep working. It is satisfying when you start to experience you're potential. Keep close to God buddy. Don't forget your prayers. You get the Priesthood soon buddy. Always live up to the potential that God has given you. I love you man with all my heart. Keep rockin'. Matt you fatty. 15! Body for life homie. Or get the Navy Seal workout off the internet. JK i'm sure you're a Jolly man. I can't wait to compare missionary journals and experiences with you and Dad when i get back. It'll be sweet. Alivia is cute man. I like the missionary Blog haha. it's sweet. Thanks for the baby pics i can't wait to hold her and watch her walk and stuff. Mom that is a sweet talk. I can't believe that i'm helping those people that have seen the goodness of the church. It's an incredible blessing for sure. I love when we are teaching a lesson and you know that the spirit is just pounding against the persons heart and you can feel the exact moment when they know for themselves that it is true. Those are probably my favorite. Oh fam! I need a favor. I lost the ring man. I was so mad when i couldn't find it. But if you don't mind could you send me another one? You all know the ring i'm talking about right? The return with honor ring. I feel naked without it. Dad hows work and all treating you? The comp is doing well. I love it because he's a little socially awkward and when we are teaching lessons he'll bring up every analogy that he knows. haha It is funny. Don't get me wrong i love him but he is so funny when we are talkin to people. P-days are fun. I've been playing tennis in the morning and playing ball at lunch and we usually get a good turn out. The other missionaries are hecka far away though so it's hard to get together with them all. Well I love you all. I'm happy to hear from you and sounds like you're doing well.
Forever yours,
Elder B

Heavenly father is building juggarnauts out of all of us young men out here.

Family!
It is good to hear from you all. Ky buddy keep up the good work ya playa. Richard sent me an email a while back and i'll send it to you all with a couple pics of the baptism. So the baptism went amazingly. It was by far the biggest one that i've been to. The chapel filled up. This Kid knows everyone. For real. We are playing Basketball with him today. You know sometimes i think about the emails that i have sent you all and i think of how much that you all don't here about. I try my best to include the major points but there just isn't enough time to tell you everything. It's going to be sweet to get home and be able to tell you all so much more. Also i've been thinking about how sacred the events are that i get to participate in. It's rather awe-inspiring. I'm blessed beyond belief to have this oppurtunity and i have all of you to thank for giving it to me. The gratitude goes unmeasured for sure. I can't believe how long i've been out for real. Seth emailed me and told me about all that he's doing. We need to get him out on a mission. I feel so bad for him that he doesn't get this oppurtunity. Heavenly father is building juggarnauts out of all of us young men out here. I'm honored to know that i'm enlisted in His army. OUr new president is really nice. I'm still anxious to see the changes he's going to0 make. We've heard a few of them. All bishops are invited to Zone Conferences. We have to teach two lessons a night wether to members or not. That one is going to be difficult in Gridley but acheivable i believe. He's a good guy. We had Zone conference this last week and Sis Pendleton is sooooo funny. She's like way petite and shy and nervous and everything. She's hilarious. It may just be the Greenness in her but it was hilarious. The fires are harsh down here. The smoke has slowed us a little because they warn us to take it easy when we're outside. It's pretty intense but it's all good. The work rolls forth. I love you all and am so grateful for the person that you've made me today. You all rock.
We are enlisted till the conflict is o'er
Elder Baumgartner

Elder B off the heezee...

Family
Sounds like everyone is doing awesome. Turns out our relief society pres is a big fan of tennis so when we go to eat over there i'm sure she'll give me a very detailed description of the greatest final in the history of tennis. She's from england. So the fourth was good. We had a half day pday so after dinner we just hung out with a family in the ward who you have to meet when you come here. It's the Mc Dowells. They're sweet. They made some dry ice bombs and threw them in the pool. And their dad is a rocket scientist so he had to explain every little detail about the bomb to the kids. It was pretty funny. The work is going well. We get to watch someone enter the waters on friday and he couldn't be more stoked. And neither can i for that matter. Kinda sucked bein' away from home for the forth but we'll have plenty of holidays together so it wasn't too bad. Ky man keep up the good work. You better be able to beat me when i get back. If not i'll whip you into shape real fast. For some service this month i'm helping sister mc dowell coach tennis a few times. She's a high school coach. Their team is alright. I'm pretty excited. I'm doing well as far as my needs go. Thank you so much for the package. I also love showing off my little neice to everyone. She's so freakin cute man. Don't forget about the lifesize posterboard alright? Or the pillow case action with my face on it. haha that would be hecka tight. Dad thank you for the wibledon updates. Man it sucks not bein able to watch that with you. And the BYU season is going to be hard too haha. We'll have some good times when I get back though for sure. Make sure you keep me updated on the happenins of BYU and the Rockies and such alright. I need some intel. Well my time is running thin. I do need a few things at the store today. I'm thinkin about getting some white strips and my allotment wont really cover them so i might need some mulah there. Family i cannot express how thankful i am for you all. I'm so incredibly grateful and I hope you all know how much i love you. Have an amazing week homies.
Elder B off the heezee

Much love from the battle front

Family!
The work is good! I'm so priviliged to be working out in the field. I'm being blessed daily beyond anything that i deserve. I feel empowered by the Lord each day as the clock hits 10 a.m. and my oppurtunity to preach the gospel for that day arrives. I'm so blessed. Thank you for all of your support and it sounds like you all are way busy and such. I am excited for the many things that are coming up in the work. This one kid, Jason, is "savvin' it up hardcore" as he would put it. Yes it is Savvin'. His baptism is in a week from friday. He is an incredible kid. The work is moving forward as always and i am just trying to savor every second as it passes by. Mom that is so exciting the NY trip and everything. That must have been so incredible. Mom i'm pushing myself hard out here. with the strength of the Lord i feel nothing is impossible. He's pushing me just as Dad and you have been all throughout my life. I'm endebted to you two for all eternity because you're both the freakin' best. I'm ever grateful. I love you all so much and know that all is well.
Much love from the battle front
Elder B.

Peace love and happiness (eternally)

Family!
It is good to hear from all of you and sounds like your "hecka" busy as they say in the California tongue. Yeah i've pretty much got the language down by now. Hecka Savage rufus. Just kiddin rufus isn't one. Anywho I apologize but this one is gonna be short and sweet. We've got a baptism comin' up in july i think the second saturday. Woo Woo. The work is going well. I'm striving daily to listen to every prompting of the holy ghost out here and then write them down. It's amazing how many promptings we recieve on a daily basis. I love the work and am trying to savor every moment. At all the troubled times that I have out here i just think back to President Hinckley's advice. It will all turn out alright. By far the good experiences out weigh the bad ones and i seem to forget the bad ones alot faster. I woke up this morning and felt like i was still up in Redding in my greeny area. I can't believe i've been out this long. Crazy. There are so many crazies out here. It is so funny. The is this crazy tricycle lady that always rides her bike around our block and you really do have to see it. it is just nuts. Also we were out in live oak last night just going around to the parks and OYMing people and we came to these kids about my age and they were just in awe of when i told them that i do this out of service and don't get paid or anything and actually we're going to start teaching them. It just made me appreciate what i'm doing so much. I love it. Well my time is up thank you all so much for writing me and have an awesome week.
Peace love and happiness (eternally)
Elder B.

Well, i'm off to save the day

Family!
How are you? The work is going well and the comp is cool. There are so many things goin on. Right now we are trying to get one of our investigators to marry her boyfriend that she lives with so she and him can get baptized. We'll see how that goes... We're trying to get Baylea to set a date for baptism and i believe that she will this week. We took some members on a chapel tour the other day and it was so powerful. I can't believe how much missionary fire is instilled in these people when they come on this chapel tour. They really dont understand how much they have until they take a step back and look at it. The ward is going nuts for missionary work which helps so much. I cannot begin to express the importance of members in missionary work. Like Elder Bednar was talking about... Us full-time missionaries are here to help the ward with its work. Not the other way around. I feel so drained at the end of the day and yet i find it easier to do more work everyday. Reliance on the Lord is the understatement of the century. I cannot do this alone. I've come to the realization of how small i am and how much the Lord can do for me. I love the work... It's worth it always. That's pretty much the goings on over here. That signed federer picture is sweet! How could no one bid on it? Crazy. I hope the meeting with Cal goes well. Happy fathers day! I'm sorry i didn't get a letter off in time to meet you at fathers day but You and i both know how much i love and appreciate you right. To matt too it's your first fathers day. Neato. Well i'm off to save the day. I love you all and am happy to hear from you.
Peace homies.

Much Love, Elder B.

Family!
How's it hangin'? It's transfer day tomorrow and i'm stayin here. Elder parks is goin to redding where i was born. My new comp is Elder Glad and from what i hear he's quite an interesting guy if you know what i mean. The work is going well... There are alot of things happening in gridley and i'm excited for this next transfer. Of course the town is getting smaller. I've tracted alot of the streets in gridley and i'll have to start the cycle over. We've kind of started a new program in our ward to spark missionary work within the members. The work is a heck of alot easier when the members are involved. It creates a support system that you cannot get any other way. I spoke in sacrament meeting yesterday about living worthy to have the spirit with us. It went very well. I received the treat package. Thank you so much. We also went to the temple on friday. It was so amazing. As i sat in the celestial room i started to think of how awesome it is going to be to have our family for eternity. I miss going to the temple with you all. That will be fun when i get back. We should even go to a session when you come pick me up down at Sac. Oh get this! If Alexis moves to Folsom and is in Folsom 1st ward, I could potentially serve in her ward. That would be nuts. Anywho I love you all and it is good to hear from you. Sometimes all it takes is the words of the fam to boost you back up again. Thank you all for all that you do and enjoy your week. Peace homies.
Much Love, Elder B.

You're tizight!

Hey Fam,
What's crackin'? The work is same as usual. We're trying to find and progress our investigators. The highlight of my week happened yesterday. There was this little baby girl (after church) that started crying hysterically. We were getting our dinners for the week when her father came and asked us to help him give her a blessing. He said that it is probably her arm because she was holding it carefully. When i placed a drop of oil on her head and started the prayer for the annointing she immediately stopped crying and gave into the spirit that entered the room. She knew what we were doing for her and she's like a year old. It made me think of how blessed we are to have the priesthood authority here. We can command the elements to change on word of mouth according to God's will. What a blessing that is. I was listening to a talk on my ipod last night by Elder Cowley. (member of the 12 back in 1953) He was talking about miracles. He talked about some blessings that he had given for the admistration of the sick. The priesthood authority given us defies all the laws of man. A specific experience that he gave was when a family had a 5 year old boy that was born blind deaf and dumb and asked elder cowley to give him a blessing and he fasted for a while and then gave the blessing to the child and was prompted to heal him of everything. A few months later the boy had received sight and sound and speach. How miraculous is this gift given us. And to trust 12 year olds with that gift is beyond my comprehension of trust. Anywho I received the package with shoes and stuff. Thank you so much. I pray nightly in gratitude towards how blessed i am to have a family like you. you're tizight. Colton Baines got his call to Puerto rico. he's excited out of his mind! And i'm excited for him. Here are a couple pics of the joys of the mission field. I love you all and hope that you guys don't grow up to fast for me. Alexis is a mom. Ky's gonna be a deacon. You two are grandparents. What happened? haha Laters