Converting in California

Hey fam!

2009-10-19T12:56:00.001-06:00

It was quite a funny week. I had my birthday... my camera died out on me... The rain soaked my scriptures... I got to see my neice in real life... I got to talk to Mom and Dad... I made myself a funfetti cake (which i put too much batter in too small a container which made the outside nice and crispy and the inside still liquid) *idiot* and that is about it. I had so much fun though. I thought the rain was going to kill our goal of handing out the rest of the 25 Book of Mormons we had planned but the Lord provided man. Although everyone stayed inside while it was raining the Lord placed certain people in our path that needed to have one. Lets see I don't know what to say. See ya next week... This will probably be the last email session so don't worry about writin' next week. Love you all so much. Thanks for everything that you've done for me. I can't say thanks enough. Can't wait to see ya. Peace!

Hey!

2009-10-13T12:55:00.000-06:00

Sorry the library was closed yesterday so I have just a few minutes to write to you. To answer questions. on thursday I will be home all morning till 10 and at night around 9. Some of the other missionaries want to take me out to subway or somethin that day so I wont be home for lunch. So probably around 9:30 am would be best. if that time doesn't work out then just have her give me a call me. um yes to the rest of the questions. yeah I can't believe it's almost here. I don't think it will hit me till I'm on the plane. um that is about it... I can't wait to see you all! Loves

Hermanos y Hermanas de la familia de Dios

2009-10-05T12:54:00.000-06:00

Whats happenin?! Man that conference was great. I loved how elder Holland testified about the Book of Mormon. The same testimony burns within me even now as I am talking about it to you. I was mentally exhausted after all the wonderful talks. I'm playing some tennis today with another missionary that played on Highlands Ranch high school team back home. His name is Elder Spear. He's pre sweet. I gotta practice up so i'll only be semi embarassed when I play Ky. This week was cruddy. My companion last monday sprained his ankle and so we rested it up the whole week. I planned on reading the old testament all the way through. Needless to say I made it through genesis haha. I kept getting distracted by the cool footnotes and wound up reading most of the Bible Dictionary. Some day I'll make it thru the Old Testament. Luckily though it looks like his ankle is mostly healed up so we are back on the streets baby. We had Zone Conference on Friday and I had to give my "Departing Testimony." It was weird. Tell alexis that I'm going to get ahold of her monday two weeks from today to give her some stuff to hold on to. I'll also leave my bike at the mission office the day I get shipped out so that they can pick it up. Tell her because she doesn't read these. That was super weird when I came back and the proactive was on the porch. Anywho I can't wait to see you all again. I keep having dreams about seeing everyone. I love you all! Especially Mom because of her faithful emailing haha. Peace!

Hello!

2009-09-28T12:53:00.000-06:00

Hey sorry I didn't get an email out last week. We got to the library and there was a huge line so I only had enough time to read your emails and send a little one to Seth. So I am having a blast. I asked Heavenly Father to help me be like some of the great missionaries of old like Paul, and the super sweet companionship of Alma and Amulek. I still have many weaknesses that keep me from being more like them but the Lord is helping me. We have seen some sweet miracles lately. We talked to this lady on the street late the other night and she told us of the passing of her husband. We talked to her about the Plan of Happiness and she said that she would like to learn more about it. She mentioned right before we parted that it was a strange "coinsidence" because she has wanted to talk to missionaries before and that she had already taken a walk that day with her kids and something told her to go take another. That morning I made it specific in my prayers to plead for Heavenly Father's help to seek out someone He has prepared to receive the Gospel. She was. We're making an effort to talk to as many as our brothers and sisters as possible. I was listening to a lecture by Truman Madsen and he noted the instence where Christ refers to His disciples as friends. He explained the Hebrew and Greek origin of the word friend which involves familiarity and how in the scriptures servants become sons and daughters and then become friends. A servant does what the Master asks maybe without knowledge of why he is doing it whereas a friend does what the Master asks being familiar with the reason why the Master would ask it to be done. Friends understand eachother. I wonder at all that goes over my head as far as scriptures go but am ready to receive line upon line. This upcoming week we have zone conference and it is my turn to get up and bear my "departing testimony" along with my friends that are going home with me. It is weird because you never think that it is your turn and the time arives all too soon. The area is good. The ward is strugglin a little bit but I'm looking forward to helping in any way that I can. My companion is Elder Yang. He is cool. He's grown up in a lot of ways since the time I last saw him about a year and a half ago. We're having fun. If you don't mind I am super low on Proactive so if you could send some out that would be great. Like super low. Thank you for your prayers. Go cougs! Love you all

Boy Howdy

2009-09-15T12:52:00.000-06:00

Hey! so I'm getting transfered to Rocklin CA. It will be fun. I'm finally on a bike again so I'll get to get in shape before I get back. plus I don't have to deal with paperwork anymore! My new companion is Elder yang from Samoa. He's had a rough past in the mission but I hear he's straightened up. I had you all in my prayers for this past weekend. Know that you will always be. Something that has really struck me lately is how increasing understanding of the Atonement increases desire to share the Gospel. I believe that I have mentioned that before but I want to share with you what knowledge has been given me from our Heavenly Father on the subject. When dealing with the issues of the other missionaries the Spirit has told me repeatedly in the past that the fix to it is helping them focus on other people because i believe that about 99% of problems that we face can be greatly minimized by remembering the Atonement of our Lord Jesus Christ and how it affects you and those around you. Namely in every choice between right and wrong we learn that if we choose the right we are happy. The effects of the Atonement and its application in your life hinges on the very moment when you say in your mind that in this case, "I am going to choose the right." When you realize the importance of that concept you desire the happiness for you and your fellow man. It is when, in the pride of our hearts, we say "woa is me" that we fall into selfish acts that, if not now, eventually lead to poor mistakes. The Lord teaches us this as we go thru our trials and tribulations. Our weaknesses, if taken to the Lord, humble us and bring us to that understanding of the Atonement. Anyways off of my soap box. I'm excited for home. I'm not too trunky i don't think but I am excited to see all of you and meet my neice. Since I am going to be in Rocklin I could give all my stuff to Alexis minus the essentials and go on the plane with a backpack and one suit case. that would be super sweet. Give me your number and I'll get it cleared with President and maybe even get lunch out of it haha. Chipotle or no dice! haha anywho I love you and let me know what I can do to help any of you out. Thanks for all the advice too. It helps alot. Loves
Elder B

Hey!

2009-09-07T12:49:00.000-06:00

Huh that is some depressing news... This is a prime example of the knowledge of the Plan of Happiness giving us peace. Those family members who really understand the terms of the Gospel will mourn only for the short time that we will miss her. Easy for me to say because we were pretty distant in relation. I heard about the BYU Oklahoma game. I can smell the fresh-cut grass at the beginning of a BCS bowl game already. I'm stoked. This week has been pretty hard out here. It has been one of those weeks where you feel that the whole weeks efforts to help these folks repent have been in vain. It seems as if no one that we are teaching really cares enough to read or pray or anything. Enough of the pity party though this isn't anything new. You gotta just keep crying repentance and soon those who are willing to humble themselves will do it upon hearing the voice of the Lord thru us. I am indeed grateful for the Lords help. It is a privilege to work so closely with the Godhead especially helping some of these people feel the influence of the Holy Ghost testifying to them of the Savior and our Father in Heaven. I will continue to praise the Lord for the grace that I receive daily. He must look down with eyes of divine pity as He sees me struggle thru such minuscule trials. Enough about me. Have fun this Labor Day. Ky you got somethin comin buddy I promise. I just haven't found the right thing yet. President said I might be getting transferred one more time so just heads up. I'll know next week. Love you all and know that my prayers are with all of ya.
Elder B

Howdy!

2009-08-24T12:48:00.000-06:00

Happy B-day Ky! Dang the big 1-3. Oh buddy. Are the girls pretty cute to ya yet? Alright I'll stop. I'm gonna send you somthin sweet but I haven't found that something sweet yet so keep an eye out. That was very saddening to hear about Tate's wife... Missionaries now work very closely with Less-active members of the church. As I am seeing all the walks out here I am realizing how and why Satan works the way he does. Often we use a little object lesson to teach about sin in its different varieties. We fill 2 pitchers up one has great tasting kool-aid and one with dyed water with the same color. Sin is the dyed water that looks very appetizing at first and upon tasting it is found to be unsatisfactory and void of anything worth while. The kool-aid on the other hand is great tasting and very fulfilling. You could have guessed that the Kool-aid represents the good choices in our lives. We all know about the snares of the Devil but what are we doing today to prepare for the firey darts of the adversary. It takes constant fortification if we are to shield ourselves from these blows. As we discuss these things with our LA members we explain that the road back maybe hard but it is worth every step. I have a constant and firm belief that if we will listen to and act upon the words of the prophets of olden time as well as those in these latter days then we will find ourselves on the path. Especially reading the Book of Mormon. There really is no substitute for strengthening us spiritually and drawing us closer to God than that of the ancient record of the Nephites, Lamenites and Jaredites. If you find yourself in disagreement with the standards of the Lords Church established on the Earth then turn to 3 Nephi. Do the things that Jesus Christ asks with a broken heart and a contrite spirit and prove Him. It is simple. Every single person finds out at some point that if we follow the commandments then we are happy and if we do not then we are not happy. Prove Him. The Gospel is our rock. Those who fall away will not receive pure joy. I know these things. I love you all and hope you have a great week!! Vian con Dios mi familiasita

Hey!

2009-08-17T12:47:00.000-06:00

Well it is great to hear from you. Holy cow Mom that is great that the ball is starting to roll with that program and school and such. Your a true saint. I find myself bragging about my fam often. I can't get over the blessing that it is to have the fam that I do. I must have done somethin right up in Heaven. Actually they do say that the some of the blessings that we have were predicated upon the laws that we obeyed in Heaven aka the fam. That is cool to think about. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to serve. I say that often but it is such a blessing to be learning and growing as much as I am and helping others with their eternal progression. After all that is what this life is all about. One of the great truths that has hit me recently is that our Father in Heaven loves us despite of our constant yieldings to sin. When my mind is ready to shut down and I get slothful in the work and feel that I am doing just a small fraction of the work that needs to be done I feel the warmth of the Comforter come over me and raise my chin letting me know of the great love that my Father in Heaven has for me and of His constant care. I'm so grateful for that knowledge... I am going to get off the computer so elder Aho can get on. He's sweet. He's from tonga and he teaches me some of it. Anywho I thank you my family for the constant care that I receive from you. I feel your love and prayers... Thanks and Love ya
Peace Elder B
P.s. Yeah that is cool if you come pick me up but problem is we wouldn't be able to do anything but sit and talk and eat and sleep, but hey I'm down if you are.

Sup yo

2009-08-10T12:45:00.000-06:00

Hey Fam!!
This week has been good! I can tell that I'm going to miss alot of the people down there in Auburn but I look forward to getting to know the people here. So it was like Christmas today because I received around $60 during Christmas for Walmart but there wasn't a walmart in auburn so I did some shoppin. Got a family size frosted flakes. Dorky but its a treat. So my new companion is nice. He's the peculiar type. He wore suspenders today... Reminded me of my days in middle school haha. So ky your the big guy on campus now huh? How is the new school? Keep up the good work in tennis! Man it is weird having a change of scenery after being in a place for 7 months. Oh cool story. Last night we had one of those lessons where the Spirit was super strong and the set-up was near perfect. A man and his son had us into their home to "get back into the good book." We started off as we usually do by praying and talking about Heavenly Father and His love for all of us. This man voiced his opinion that he beilieves that it is just a bunch of bogus. Someone wrote a book and it stuck is what he expressed. After addressing the fact that he can know of its truthfulness for himself and I expressed how I came to know that it is true. We left him in suspense as we explained that we needed to build a foundation of knowledge before we tell him how he can know. We talked about the Savior and His role in everything... He listened. The Spirit whispered to us to talk about the empowering ability the Atonement gives us to rid ourselves of guilt and addiction. We described that these addictions come from the adversary. He exclaimed how he desperately wants to get rid of the extra baggage that he has carried around and how he wants Jr. to grow up with a clean life. We explained how that was possible. We continued to talk about Joseph Smith and his role as a prophet of God followed by a short summary of the Book of Mormon and it's origen. We commited him to read and pray and promised him with all of our earnestness that if he would read and pray, he will be able to rid himself of the guilt and addictions that he has by coming to know God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. In a tender expression of earnest desire he pleaded with us... Please come back and teach me more. I just want to get rid of all of these negative things in my life. I want Jr. to grow up right. Plainly put he wants to be clean. We told him that it requires change of attitude and behavior and that it comes from learning the gospel. My heart leaped for joy for this man. Through the grace of our Savior he can be cleansed. I testify that the power of the Atonement is real. It's tangible. As we strive to know God and His Son, we receive their grace. We can be clean. Thanks for continuing to write me and everything. I appreciate all of the love and support. Oroville fyi is in the sticks. The only thing that keeps this place running is an indian casino right inside the city. Yes its great and spacious. ummm there was more that I needed to tell you..... oh when are we going to come back and tour the mish? People keep asking. Thanks grandma for the package! I don't really have a preference on classes... I trust you all. I would like to take spanish that would be fun.... Welp I love you all!! Thanks!

Hello hello

2009-08-03T22:29:00.000-06:00

Hey fam! So news... I am getting moved back up to Gridley. I am going to orroville in the Gridley Stake... It is a super interesting place from what I've heard. For matt and alexis that is about another hour and a half up the hill next to yuba city. President told us Friday so it was easy sayin bye cuz I did it all at church. It is sad leaving alot of my friends down here in Auburn but that is the missionary life. I'm excited for the new surroundings and the chance to meet and make new friends. My new comp is elder king. I've heard that he is pre tight so I'm excited to meet him. I've really grown to love the people here. They are great people. I'm happy to say that the thought of home in 3 months isn't effecting me too much. There are some missionaries that you can tell that it really gets to 'em. "Trunky" I learned that that term is like 100 years old. I was talking to a brother in the ward and he used trunky as he was talking about when he was serving the Lord. I thought it was funny. Anywho I'm excited for the move. I had someone set up a facebook account so that some people could keep in touch so feel free to request me to be your friend. I won't be using it till I get back but it is an easy way to keep in touch I figure... Anywho Thanks for all the help and everything. I'll email my new address either tomorrow or next week. I love you all!! thank you

Hey Drewbee

2009-08-02T20:12:00.002-06:00

P.S. Mom and Dad jacked our movie idea, those hosers...

Hey good to hear from you!!

2009-07-28T22:28:00.000-06:00

Sorry I didn't get the chance to email yesterday. To answer your Qs I did do the passport and got the school stuff faxed off and everything so that is all set. um.... I spoke in church this past Sunday too! The Bishop asked me to speak on inviting others to come unto Christ. It went pretty well.... I can't believe that rich is finally gettin hiched. Good for him. Welp sorry I don't have much time. I love you I don't really need anything but I'll let you know if I do. Love You!!
Elder B

Hey sorry not much new this week.

2009-07-20T22:27:00.000-06:00

I will have all the passport and school stuff done by this friday. Not much time to chizzat today but I am grateful for all of you. Thank you for your prayers. I'm doing good. ummmm the lady said that the overall cost of the passport stuff is about 100 bucks. ripoff if you ask me. Anywho the work is going well. I've got a special treat for ya next week. A longer email. ok no but we're making a song. it'll be sweet. ok love you!!!! peace

This week went great!!

2009-07-13T22:26:00.000-06:00

I am seeing many miracles thanks to the Lords hand in the work. The other day I got the prompting to test my faith. While I was telling Heavenly Father about the day the Spirit hit me and an idea came to my mind. Every night we plan out our day and schedule the people that we need to see that day. The Idea that came to me was to step out the door Saturday morning and walk and talk to everyone and not come home until we teach one of Heavenly Father's children and set up a time to teach them more. So we planned it in and put our hopes and prayers on the Lord. Mind you we can go a whole day without anything close to a lead on teaching someone new. In my mind I knew that the Lord would put that person in our path sometime in the day but I figured that it would take a while, like the whole day. Lo and behold the fourth person we talked to is a lady named Heather. We walked up to her as she was bar-b-queing. We started talking about the Restored Gospel and she invited us to sit and tell her more. So we did and followed the Spirit as He gave us the words to speak. Close to the end of our conversation we started talking about Heavenly Father and how that is personally one of my favorite titles (Heavenly Father) because that shows His true nature. He is our Father. Suddenly I saw it click within her. She mentioned to us how she was reading the words of Christ as he prays to Our Father and how He speaks to His Father. Well long story short we're going back this week to teach more. I am grateful for those experiences. All glory to our God. Well I'm doing well thanks for everything. I need new slacks so I'm going to hit up Ross probably today plus before I get transfered I need to give some stuff to Alexis So i don't have to ship it or take it home with me when the time comes. Love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!11 peace

Dang man those close ones hurt the worst!

2009-07-06T22:21:00.001-06:00

That is insane that roddick did that well against the Fed. Reminds me of my good ol' days in the grand slams. I just couldn't get over the hump to beat petey sampras. The 4th was great. We had after 4 o'clock on as a pday and so some of the missionaries got together and we played cards for a while and went to the parade here in A town. It was fun. We also went and watched some of the fireworks over at an investigators house. His name is Bob and he's a crack up. He's like 85 and just waiting for his death date. He was talking to us about how all of his friends already died off. It was sad but he was laughing about it the whole time. Anywho Alexis is preggo huh? Surprise surprise. Let's do a nephew this time around. How far along? just barely? I half expected someone to answer me just then haha. So miracle #2 which is added on to the aforementioned miracle #1, The person I told you about in the last email who hasn't been to church in a decade... Now his girlfriend wants to take the lessons. It is exciting. I'm going to tell you a secret which is not so secret... I have found lately that the statement in Preach My Gospel is true: Increasing your knowledge of the Atonement will increase your desire to share the Gospel. I don't think that we realize that with the restoration of the gospel, we have learned many things about the Atonement that no one else knows. Not only that but if you look at each page of scripture, it outlines some aspect of the Atonement. Keep that word in mind as you do your personal studies in the scriptures. It is amazing how much there is to understand about the Atonement of our Lord. Anyways I don't need anything right now but I'll let you know if I do... I love you all and am grateful for your prayers and thoughts. Thank you

Elder B

Boy Howdy!

2009-06-29T16:57:00.002-06:00

This week has been stellar as usual. I'm getting to be good friends with an elder named elder aland. There aren't too many missionaries that, knowing me, I'm not going to keep in too much contact with. But he'll be down at snow college while i'm wherever I am. P town Provo. We first met while we sat on the plane ride out here. He's pre tight. Anywho both of us talked to president today about school and stuff. Aland hasn't really thot about school or anything until now and President was telling both of us to get on the ball. Which brings up my next point to thank all who are preppin the way for me to get back. Thank you for the effort to get me going as soon as I get back. I appreciate everything. It's weird to be thinking about all this stuff but I guess it is inevitable at some point. Lets see. Not too much has gone on this week except for this huge miracle in the lives of one of the families in the ward. They have a son that, from when he was 20 until now when he is 30, has not wanted much to do with church or anything. Every move they made towards getting him to come out has just pushed him the other way... This Sunday was the first Sunday in ten years that he has stayed for church all three hours. Bishop was talking to us as we were out visiting people yesterday about a "Alma the younger" moment that this man had. Bishop said that the man would be in contact with us soon. Sure enough he called Elder Powell and I to set up an appt to teach him and his non-member girlfriend the lessons. He was talking to me about how he was praying one night with all of his heart and that the Spirit touched him in a way that he had never felt before. After that he was surfing the internet and in his head the word Atonement kept popping up in his head. All the sudden all the teachings he had received as a youth and in primary started rushing into his head. It was a tender moment as he started to bear his testimony to me over the phone. I felt the spirit so strongly. I feel honored to have witnessed a miracle like this and share it with you not casually but trusting that this witness will help you feel the spirit as well. I'm grateful for a loving Father in Heaven. I'm grateful for the strength that our parents have in dealing with us as we stumble along the path. I am in awe of the humbling and enabling power of the Atonement. The 4th is going to be fun. We have an early morning bar-b-que with the ward. We don't get to do too much but I'll enjoy the company anyway. I've still got to do the passport thing and let me know if there is more that I can do to help out with the plans when I get back. I love you all!!!

Hey Familia!

2009-06-22T16:28:00.002-06:00

Hey familia!! The pic is of a girl named Jenicca Gute that we taught the lessons to. Her dad is a recent convert and he was able to baptize her. It was great! Fam'lies can be together forever.... I was singing that while I typed it. Yeah that would be fine to go to a SL campus... I'll just have to buy a moped to get up there haha. Decked out with flames... maybe a sweet jacket. Uber cool. Well this week has been a good one. I found out today that i'll be stayin here another six weeks. I was excited to get that news because there are alot of good peeps here. Our zone is getting 3 greenies haha. I think this is president's "experiment" zone. Of course he is inspired to do everything so in reality this is God's experiment zone haha. I really like the missionaries here. They are getting better and better as time goes on. I bring good news that the work is progressing forward... I've said it once and i'll say it again, we are on the verge of great missionary work as the Lord's church continues under His direction. I am honored to be a full time part of it. Well sorry it seems like there is less and less time to email you every week but I hope that my pathetic efforts to write will suffice. Happy Father's day! This lady we were talking to said how come you get to call your moms on moms day but you don't get to call on papa's day? Whats the deal. I said it's probably because the moms need it more. No offence on either side. I'll get that faxed to ya this week for sure. Much Love. Keep on keepin on. Peace.

Hidee ho!!

2009-06-15T16:27:00.000-06:00

Hidee ho!! Sorry it's been a quick pday so I have just a minute to write you! So This week has been good. The ward is making great progress toward breaking the barrier between the full-time missionary efforts and the wards themselves. It is great... There are going to be major strides in the work as soon as that barrier completely crumbles. I don't know how much that means to ya but you'll start see the Work increasing greatly. It is good to hear from you. So we are eating with a very nice family in the ward tonite. They are the Macys. They always treat us like kings. Sorry I don't have more time to write but I am grateful to you for the love that you show to me and always for your prayers. Keep 'em up please. I love you all!!!!!!

Peace

Fam-a-lam

2009-06-08T16:27:00.000-06:00

What is happenin'. It is great to here about the things that are going on back there. It is weird how close it is getting to that time... It will be fun. Have you all done much boating yet this summer? You better!! So this week was an interesting one. First of all I was stressin' about this meeting that we have every first sunday of the month with the stake pres out here. We have the missionaries with their ward mission leaders fill out some questions so that we can tell pres brower how the stake is doing with the missionary work. Last month in our meeting we found that the answers that we were getting from the missionaries were way to subjective and didn't really tell the true story. So this month we did similar and found that the answers were the same so two days before the meeting Elder Powell and I sat down with pres Pendleton and prayerfully discussed what needed to happen and then we came up with something and worked all day saturday to type it all up and took it into the meeting and they loved the info that we provided. It is a very different aspect to missionary work to make spreadsheets and make a report for the stake presidency but the principles are still the same. Through prayer and reliance upon the Lord and His power, we may know exactly what needs to happen. So this week is definately going to be a little less stressful thank goodness. But enough about me I am grateful for all of you and your spirits. I find myself, in lessons, constantly relating experiences that I have had within the home and with the family. I am amazingly blessed to have the oppurtunity to be in the family that I am in. I must have done somethin' right up in heaven to diserve the blessing of a great family. I got the birth certifacate so I'll get that done asap. I have a feeling that I am leaving Auburn in 2 weeks but who knows. I love you!!!!!!!

Peace be unto you and your posterity forever. (thats me and my kids haha)

Hey hey!!!

2009-06-01T16:25:00.000-06:00

Hey family!

This past week has been pretty normal as well. In the mission right now we are focusing on having strong commitments especially with the baptismal commitment. It is exciting. There has been many miracles in just the short amount of time that we have been instructed on it. One of our investigators has accepted the commitment to be baptized on the 27 of this month. She has a long way to go and many humps in her way but she is earnest and we are going to be there with her as she continues to grow. We are having some peeps come from SLC to talk to the mission and so the leadership is having a meeting on tuesday and i'm looking forward to the instruction that we are going to receive. I have an instense testimony of the promises that the bretheren extend to us as missionaries and as members in general. If we do the things that they ask then we will reap the blessings that are promised. I've seen it and felt it as well. I'm grateful to all of you for your constant prayers and other help that you give to me. I reflect on the glory years (namely my childhood) and think about how many blessings that we have received from the Lord and it blows me away. He has done so much for us. But if there is anything that I can do for any of you let me know. I love you all and look forward to hearing from you more!! Loves

Elder B

Hidee ho

2009-05-18T16:25:00.000-06:00

Soooooooo........ This week was good!! We had a meeting up in Gridley on Friday and played softball afterward. Sister Pendleton is crazy haha. President Pendleton was on our team and he is pretty good at softball. He'd call the hole he was going to drop it in and then do it. Needless to say we dominated 23 to 11. It was fun. My hair is growing back slowly but surely. Oh there aren't any walmarts out here so I can't get any rogain (don't laugh). So I'm gonna need a ship job. Or if Alexis could just drop it off at my doorstep sometime that would be great. Yeah I'm excited to stay here. I love the people. Let's see here... Oh our mission song is being remade so that it is a little slower and appropriate for sacrament meeting and we are going to professionally record it and give CDs to all the missionaries. Its pretty sweet. We got some great missionaries here this transfer and I'm excited for the progress that is going to be made. These past couple transfers have gone by so quickly. It is a reminder of how quickly the time is going to go by. Its crazy. Oh And Elder Powell and I came up with a sweet transfer focus. As a zone we are going to go on exchanges with the apostles of the church. We made up index cards with pictures of the apostles and expectations that they have. Like Elder Perry's is the 20 lessons and following up with investigators. Elder Cook's is declaring living prophets to everyone they talk to. So this week we prepared by cleaning up our apartments and cleaning the cars and updating our area books and this tuesday we are going to randomly hand out an index card to each companionship to start the exchanges. I'm really excited I think it will be fun. Anyways I am doing good... I don't really need anything. I'm grateful for all of you and your support and prayers. I hope that you all are doing good. Have a less busy week will ya? Alright adios mis hermanos y hermanas de dios. Love You!

HEY!!

2009-05-11T16:22:00.000-06:00

Hey what's happenin'!

Um so it was great talking to you yesterday! I have to admit that that was the most I've ever thought about home on the mish haha. Pero esta bien. I knew that school was going to come up! At least we got some stuff figured out. So....... Um you're pretty much up to date on my life..... You know I did not get the opportunity to share much of my testimony on the phone so I am going to take that privilege now. There is so much strength in the Lord. It seems like a no brainer but it is true. I've figured out a few things out here and those things came from giving myself up. I have felt the Lord guide me through many things out here. It is hard out here. It is hard keep going through each rejection of the Gospel but salvation is not easy. Some folks miss the mark on that one. Salvation and eventual exaltation comes through faith in the Christ, constant repentance and saving ordinances performed by and through the Priesthood. As we learn and follow our given Example, the Great Mediator, we start to see things as God sees them. Of course only to our limited and finite thinking but still we gain divine perspective of ourselves and others. I know that I am God's son. I know that He loves me and wants everything for me. As we study and understand the Eternal Plan of Happiness we start to have the desire to continue in discipleship of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for that knowledge because it carries me. I know what I must do and cannot lose focus. I share my testimony given me in the name of Jesus Christ. I am staying here for the next transfer and am excited for the people that we are working with! Also I have needed to repent for a while now. I need to use my myldsmail account to email so that is what I'm going to do from now on and just use this email account as storage. So if you need my other account it is dcalbaum@myldsmail.net. You don't need to send a duplicate here because it just forwards automatically from my other account. I love you so much and wish you a happy week!!

Hey Hey!

2009-05-04T16:39:00.001-06:00

Hey Fam!

Soooooooooo... I'll tell you about a super cool experience that I had recently. So a couple of weeks ago we were going around a park and talking to people. We came across a guy that was fishing. We introduced ourselves and then asked if we could share a message about Christ's Gospel. He said that he had some time so in about 15 minutes we shared the message of the restoration of the heretoforementioned Gospel. The lesson was great, the Spirit was there and I could sense his earnest yearning for truth. We commited him to read and pray and he said he would. As we continued around the park I looked across the lake and saw him studying the things that we left him to read. It made my heart swell. So yesterday we went to his home and he invited us right in. We taught him the Plan of Happiness to him and he said that it made sense and that he really enjoyed learning about it. God has been preparing him for a while now. It has been a cool experience because in all that I do out here I can see the Lords hand in it. Out here it is hard pressed to find someone with an open heart and mind. But I know that if I keep seeking, Heavenly Father will place me in their path and visa versa. In short I'm incredibly grateful for the oppurtunity to be a tool in the Lords hand. I'm lovin it

Love you all and thank you for your support! Have a great week

Elder B

I will praise Him all of my days

2009-04-20T08:53:00.000-06:00

Super short email for blog purposes haha,
I absolutely loved Easter and even mor than that I love the symbolism involved with that and even more than that I love the Savior to whom all of the symbolism points to. I am indeed grateful for Him and His constant care. I will praise Him all of my days.
Loves
Elder B

New Pics...

2009-04-13T22:11:00.007-06:00

Elder Drewbers sent some new pics!
He must have loved his Easter package!

He's a chubber!

His Zone? Must have been a fun p-day!

Cool picture!

Hey!!

2009-04-13T22:06:00.000-06:00

Hey!!
Thank you so much for the basket and shirt and such. It was great. Check out the pics. I'm grateful for your prayers. It is so miraculous to think about the many prayers that are directed toward us and the Lords work in general. I had quite an experience this week. There is a less-active guy that started coming to church about 4 weeks ago. The bishop suggested that we teach him the lessons as a refresher course. At first he was taken back at the suggestion because he is an RM and thought that he didn't need it but he casted away his pride and accepted the invite. As we taught him yesterday the Spirit came over me and started to testify of the love that our Heavenly Father has for each of His children. I started to break down as I admited that I was fearful that I cannot reach more of those children in each of the areas that i'm called to. But then the reassurance from the Lord came to me that it was ok and that He is proud of my efforts so far. The greatest gift of the Spirit to me is the comfort that comes through Him and from our Heavenly Father and from our Savior. I relate it to the blankets right out of the dryer that Mom would throw around me back home. Anyway the experience helped me realize that my best will do. It is the same with all of us. Our best will do. After all we can do, the Lord steps in. I believe in the enabling power of the Atonement. I know from experience that He will make our weaknesses strengths if we take them to him. I am grateful for that knowledge. On a more temporal not I'm starting to get my passport stuff filled out so I need a birth certificate and the birth places of Dad and Mom. I love you all and am grateful for you

Drewbers

Sup mi cuates!!

2009-04-06T22:03:00.001-06:00

Sup mi cuates!!
Sorry I'm getting this one out a little late today. I freakin loved conference. My fave was (sorry ladies) priesthood sesh. Man it was great. It the biggest spiritual intake that i've had in a while. Fave was probably the medal of honor talk by President Eyring and then in close second was Elder Holland's talk. I get way too emotional during their talks. Man I get reminded constantly of how much I appreciate being out here. A few times during conference I sat pondering on how sick it is to be here doing what i'm doing. And not only that but doing what i'm doing at this time in the worlds history. Along with that i get constant reminders of how many weaknesses i have. The Lord is helping me through them though. I'm glad to hear that the fam is doing well. I am grateful for all of you and the strength that i get from your prayers. Please keep saying them for me. I love you and miss you guys.

Hey fam!

2009-03-30T08:30:00.000-06:00

Hey fam!
So there is not too much to say... My new comp is elder powell. I lived with him in Gridley and it should be tons of fun. I like the kid.. He's sweet and a pretty hard worker. It's going to be a good transfer. I'm very excited. We had the best 5th sunday lesson ever in church. It was about the present dispensation and how revelation works. I'm excited for conference. It is going to be sick yo. I was teaching this guy with the spanish elders and in broken spanish i was teaching about prophets and helped him see that if we just listen to them we will recognize the spirit that they have as ordained prophets of today. I love having my testimony of them reaffirmed each time I hear them. Also Dad you got a letter comin but it will be a little late. I love you all
Thank you for everything!!
Loves

I glory in my God.

2009-03-16T00:01:00.000-06:00

Hey Fam!
So there is not a whole lot going on. I think the biggest thing that has happened in this past week was that we are starting to teach this girl that seems really open to hearing about the gospel. I'm excited for her. She had a bad experience with a so called "jack mormon" that left a bad taste in her mouth but she is searching and is very ernest. I have high hopes for her. I am reading about the present dispensation in Jesus the Christ right now and it is giving me a great appreciation for the knowledge that I have. I am so glad that I can tell people that I know without a doubt that Jesus is the Christ and that His church was restored on the Earth today by a prophet of God. That knowledge is priceless as all of you know. I thank my Father in heaven for that knowledge. I will forever praise his name as Ammon did in chapter 26 of Alma. I know that They live. I know that They look out for me. I glory in my God.
Elder B

2009-03-09T23:50:00.002-06:00

Latest pictures of Elder Drew Baumgartner. This young boy was baptized recently.

Baptism programs.

Drew and his companion with this great young man.

Looking at the camera.

Funny missionaries showing off their ties.

Drew being... a nerdy elder

2009-03-07T23:05:00.003-07:00

Here are some videos that I promised. The first one is Drewbee and the second one, well, we have no idea what this is, but we're putting it on here because apparently it was important enough for him to upload and send it to us... It's weird, just like Drewbee!

(Original date received: Mon. Feb. 16, 2009)

So that is my story for the week

2009-03-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

Hey family!
So this week has been a stress and a half. We're prepping for Zone conference here in Auburn while we hed to do about 6 hours of computer work over a three day period. I'm a little groggy from it. But some great news is that another sheep is coming into the fold! There is young man 12 years of age who is getting baptized this saturday! I'm excited for him. The past couple lessons we've taken some of the deacons in our ward over there and i found out that we should really just send 12 year olds out on the mish. These kids were testifying more powerfully than i can even know. They will be great missionaries. So that is my story for the week. These kids are crazy cool. But i'm greatful for everything that you all do and i hope i say that enough. I love you and hope that this email wasn't too lame.

Well That is the scoop!!!

2009-02-23T14:16:00.000-07:00

Hey!!
This week has been a great week! There are alot of things going on... I learned alot about personal sanctification this week. It is something that has been on my mind all while i've been out here. We had a missionary meeting in Gridley and President talked alot about sanctification. Really everything that we do out here and the results that come from those things depend on our personal purity. It sounds pretty basic but it goes much deeper than it appears. It's one of those layered gospel topics. Purity and perfection are very closely intertwined. Perfection is more long term and building purity is what gets us there. Of course there is that aspect that with a purer vessel the Holy Ghost is more frequent and stronger within it.... I don't know there is a lot that i've learned about it but it is hard to put it onto this email. I'll have to find a good way to express it and then get back to you. Sooooo that is what I learned this week. Elder Hiatt and I are getting along great! He's learned a lot and it is nice learning from him. He looks a lot like richard. I'll have to send you a pic of him. The work is going great as well. I'll tell you what I got a reminder of how much I have to depend on the Lord this week. I've been working on praying more earnestly and meaningfully. As I've put it into practice I can tell the blessings that come to each person as I pray for and serve them. There is such power in prayer and fasting. I can tell you that I know that. I know it by and through the Holy ghost after the practice of faith. I love the things that I am privileged to learn out here. I feel so undeserving for the many blessings and lessons that I receive out here. It seems the harder I try to improve myself the more imperfections I see within myself. But Heavenly Father knows that. He helps me overcome them. We are having tons of fun. The snow up here is fun! I missed it. The rain is killer too. Luckily we are in a car. muahahaha. Well That is the scoop!!! I love you all and thank you for everything!!!

A picture is worth a thousand words... I guess?

2009-02-16T21:47:00.003-07:00

So this week, Drewbee didn't send us an email, but he did send us two pictures and two videos.

Apparent elation at the sight of snow.

The elation continues as he hops around. You'd think he'd never been exposed to the white freezing fluffiness.

There are a couple videos that I'm going to put on here, it's just not working at the moment.

God's image and countenance is imprinted on our souls.

2009-02-09T13:11:00.001-07:00

Hey Fam!
Sorry very short on time! as usual. But here is something sweet I learned this week. So Jesus tells a bunch of Pharisees off in a response to a question regarding taxes given to Caesar. Remember that one? Well He responds saying render unto Cesar what is his and render unto God what is His. So in observation one can notice that the coin presented Jesus had Caesar’s image on it. So it is also with our souls. God's image and countenance is imprinted on our souls. Not only does Christ expand on the relationship of church and state but also He tells us what we should render to Him and God. And that is our whole souls. Neat. I'm sorry I have short time. I enjoyed all of your emails. Ky nice hit holmes. Alexis and Matt have fun on the drive. That is so crazy how close you will be. Mom and Dad I'm so happy that you had fun. Mexico! I went on splits with the Spanish missionaries and came the closest that I'll ever come to having the gift of tongues. It was sweet! I love you all and I'm doing good... I do have a favor to ask of one of you. One of the elders is having a birthday and he always talks about how he was stuck in the friend zone with girls so I was thinking about getting him a shirt that says chicks dig my friendship. but there are no shirt shops around here. I don't know if that would cost a lot to get a shirt with that but if you could check in on that for me that would be great. His b-day is on the 22nd of this month. anywho Love you all so much!!!

Your lovable um... guy

2009-02-02T14:25:00.004-07:00

Hey family!

So we had to do a bunch of stuff prior to this so I don't have much time. But I've been reading in the great Jesus the Christ by Talmage and have been thinking alot about miracles. It's very worthy to note that the miracle was ALWAYS preceded by a comment or action of faith. This is very important to all of our lives. Before Jesus raised Lazerus from the grave He was among Mary and Martha and some others and while He was with them He gave some pretty sweet hidden lessons. He asked questions like where is he laid? and asked for them to take Him to Lazerous. And other questions that I cannot think of right now. These questions he asked were not for His knowlege because He knew excactly where he was laid. Rather these questions were presented for the purpose of inviting them to use there agency to do all they could before the miracle happened. He also asked, when they arrived at the grave, for the people to pull away the rock in front of the grave. After the people could do no more, then Christ showed forth the wonderful, miraculous and divine power that He had received from God. So it is with all of us. We need to do everything in our power to help fulfill the purposes of God. Then will He show forth His power. I was also reading President Monson's talk in the past conference and he addressed us all as the Royal Priesthood. It dawned on me how much of an honor that was. Anyway I hope everything is going good back there. I love you all!!!!!

your lovable um... guy

Elder BDrew being... Drew.

His comp?

2009-01-19T14:26:00.001-07:00

Hey Family!
As far as the week goes it was a great one! Yesterday we had the high councilmen speak in church. One of the talks was on personal revelation. It was a great talk. I have received a strong burning testimony of the importance of personal revelation in all of our lives. I am so grateful for the chance that we have to have Heavenly Father Himself speak to us. What an incredible blessing. Of course we cannot forget the importance of the Holy Ghost in conveying the messages that God wants to tell us. yesterday we had a lesson with a less-active member in the ward and we got on the subject of personal revelation. As I was able to explain what it is and even now as I type this email I can feel the Holy Ghost witnessing to me that revelation is a gift from God. I enjoy always telling people about the First Vision and its significance in telling us that God does speak. From the mouth of the beloved apostle of the Lord, Elder Holland says (quoting scripture) that, "He speaketh not spake!" I have found that the promise from Joseph Smith is true... It is vain to minister without [revelation]. There are so many profound things that Heavenly Father wants us to know and His willingness to give is predicated upon our willingness to ask, seek, and knock. I am eternally grateful for the lines and precepts that I receive from my loving Heavenly Father and from our Lord as well. As far as the work, it is rolling on. There are many great things that President Pendleton has presented to us and our wards. I'm excited for the new things happening. We are trying to bridge the gap between the ward members and the full-time missionary efforts. The gap has been there ever since missionary work has been established in this dispensation and probably in prior dispensations as well. But that gap is closing and with the progress being made there are many sweeeeet things on the horizon. Exciting for sure. So crazy stuff happening at home. Alexis movin, scubaing, stuff. One of the missionaries that I new just went home before Christmas and he came back with his fam and I saw him last night. It was so weird seeing him normal haha. Well thank you all! I love you!
Elder Baum.

Good ol' auburn.

2009-01-12T13:07:00.001-07:00

Hey fam!
Super short email. So story time. We were tracting a street where the houses were super set back on their properties so the driveways were long. So we park and go tract. anywho we get done with the street and we are about a mile from the car and we start walking back. A cop pulls up and rolls down his window and asks us if we're parked in someone's driveway. We told him no and then we head back to the car. The cop ends up telling us that this lady called the cops on us because she thought that we sat in front of her house and watched her for an hour. haha talk about paranoia. Good ol' auburn. Sorry thats all I got time for but I love you all!!!

It was kind of a JEEZ moment...

2009-01-05T14:43:00.000-07:00

Hey Fam,

Feliz dia mi familia. This week has been a good one. I'm getting use to the area and everything. It is much slower than Roseville. I think I got spoiled there. So I ate dinner over at this family's house where they had a twelve year old and I thought to myself woah, Ky is that age. I'll get back just in time for the pimary pimple poppin' haha. It was kind of a JEEZ moment. I am so happy right now. I say that alot don't I. Every once in a while Heavenly Father gives me blips of divine perspective on the world. It is hard here in many ways to progress the work. It is just a more rural area. I'm sinking on time but I can't tell you How much I appreciate the support and also how much I appreciate my Heavenly Father. I thank you all for helping me realize that I am a son of God. That priceless piece of info would be enough to get me through many things. I love you all and have a great week!

Hellllloooooooo.

2008-12-29T21:44:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-12-22T16:11:00.000-07:00

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

2008-12-15T19:57:00.001-07:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

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

2008-12-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-12-08T23:02:00.008-07:00

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!

2008-12-08T22:57:00.001-07:00

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!

2008-12-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-11-24T14:45:00.003-07:00

Letterino

2008-11-24T14:41:00.001-07:00

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

2008-11-24T14:38:00.004-07:00

So that is the Sport Center edition...

2008-11-17T22:18:00.001-07:00

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!

2008-11-10T17:00:00.001-07:00

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

2008-11-03T16:12:00.002-07:00

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."

2008-10-27T17:14:00.000-06:00

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!

2008-10-20T17:36:00.000-06:00

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!

2008-10-15T19:30:00.005-06:00

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."

2008-10-14T11:56:00.000-06:00

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

2008-10-06T22:04:00.000-06:00

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...

2008-09-29T17:27:00.001-06:00

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...

2008-09-22T17:00:00.000-06:00

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!

2008-09-15T14:29:00.000-06:00

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!

2008-09-08T22:13:00.000-06:00

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...

2008-09-01T07:06:00.000-06:00

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!!

2008-08-25T18:08:00.000-06:00

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,

2008-08-18T11:10:00.000-06:00

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

2008-08-11T08:12:00.000-06:00

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!!

2008-08-04T17:18:00.001-06:00

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!

2008-07-28T12:41:00.000-06:00

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'...

2008-07-21T13:55:00.001-06:00

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.

2008-07-14T12:31:00.000-06:00

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...

2008-07-07T10:39:00.000-06:00

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

2008-06-30T09:25:00.000-06:00

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)

2008-06-23T18:53:00.006-06:00

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

2008-06-16T07:20:00.000-06:00

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.

2008-06-09T07:22:00.002-06:00

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!

2008-06-02T16:45:00.000-06:00

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