I'm in Roseville!

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

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

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

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

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

Elder B off the heezee...

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

Much love from the battle front

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

Peace love and happiness (eternally)

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

Well, i'm off to save the day

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