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

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

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!!!

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?

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.

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

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?