Saturday, July 21, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
July 16, 2012 Staying in Saarbrucken!!!
Hello again.
So this past week has been pretty cool. We had the Elders from France over again. That was fun. We had a great time. The goofy one is actually pretty cool. I guess I was wrong before.
Oh yeah, I should probably tell you all about transfer calls too. Well they were on Saturday. I am going to be staying in Saarbrücken for at least another 6 weeks! I am so happy! This place is honestly so cool. I have been meaning to learn a little bit more about the history, but that will have to wait. Sometimes those are the most interesting things about where I am serving.
1. How do you feel about being on a mission? I feel pretty good. It's definitely hard, but it is so much fun at the same time. How do I feel about being out here? That's an entirely different question. Its bitter sweet. I love learning new things, getting out of my comfort zone, and sharing the gospel, but it's nice to have a normal life with normal non missionary friends and do normal things. I feel that my mission is a learning\molding process that will shape me into the person I am meant to be. I have learned to look at challenges or opportunities as ways to improve who I am that I can take home with me.
So this past week has been pretty cool. We had the Elders from France over again. That was fun. We had a great time. The goofy one is actually pretty cool. I guess I was wrong before.
Oh yeah, I should probably tell you all about transfer calls too. Well they were on Saturday. I am going to be staying in Saarbrücken for at least another 6 weeks! I am so happy! This place is honestly so cool. I have been meaning to learn a little bit more about the history, but that will have to wait. Sometimes those are the most interesting things about where I am serving.
1. How do you feel about being on a mission? I feel pretty good. It's definitely hard, but it is so much fun at the same time. How do I feel about being out here? That's an entirely different question. Its bitter sweet. I love learning new things, getting out of my comfort zone, and sharing the gospel, but it's nice to have a normal life with normal non missionary friends and do normal things. I feel that my mission is a learning\molding process that will shape me into the person I am meant to be. I have learned to look at challenges or opportunities as ways to improve who I am that I can take home with me.
2. Why did you decide to go on a mission? That's a really good question and sometimes it requires a really complicated answer. In our mission we have been focusing on the "one by one" program which concentrates on the individual. We want to teach people not lessons. The one by one mindset is that we need to address the concerns and problems of our investigators while actually teaching them lessons and not pretending to be little psychologists analyzing them. That is why I am on my mission. I decided to come on a mission because there were people that I promised to share the gospel with before I came to this life.
3. Would you tell the youth anything in particular to prepare for going on a mission? I think I sent an email to Bishop Davis a few months ago with some pointers. Actually come to think of it, that was about a year ago... Basically, it's definitely not what you are expecting. It's better.
4. Why did you say that you were thankful there weren't sister missionaries in your area? Because they have been known to cause drama or get on Elders nerves. It's hard enough sharing an area or a ward with 2 sets of Elders, but when you throw sisters into the mix, say bye-bye to eating appointments or refferals.
5. When is your next transfer? Today is the first day of transfer 12 of 16. The next transfer is in 6 weeks.
6. Is the German castle that Sleeping Beauty's castle in Disneyland is based on located in your mission? It's actually in the Alpine Mission. It's south west of Munich on the border of Austria. Thanks google maps.
7. What is the best thing that happened this week? Church. I love church.
8. Have you read anything this week that was particularly inspirational to you that you think I should read, too? Hmm... I am not really sure. I don't think so.
9. Do you ever get to go to the temple? No, I haven't been since the MTC.
10. Did you get the nativity picture I emailed to you? Yeah, that's looked really cool. It was a little fuzzy but it looked awesome. Am I going to have one when I get back?
11. Do you have any questions for us? How is the ward doing back home?
Love you guys! Have a great week!
Elder Trevor Joseph Baker
Monday, July 9, 2012
July 9, 2012 Oh, yeah, I forgot I'm 21 now!
Well apparently I am 21 now. It took me almost half an hour when I woke up to realize it was my birthday. [Facepalm]
The only things of noteworthy importance was that I had an eating appointment yesterday with cake and everything! It was way cool especially because we just ate with that family about one week ago. We had a great time.
As for the rest of the week. There was a lot of going outside trying to contact less actives while it was flipping hot outside. That was fun. It lasted luckily only a little while until we decided to take some time for planning what we are going to do with specific less actives and investigators. It may be slightly "lazy" or "cowardlike", but sometimes if you don't plan, you won't know what to do. And what better time to plan when its so flipping hot you have to change your shirt when you come back for dinner? Those are my 2 cents. Sucks for the Elders there though. 3-4 hours.... pfew...
As for the rest of the day. I feel like taking another nap. I don't think we have anything special planned except for family home evening tonight with the Escobar family. Should be legit.
1. In response to your question last week, and by my very scientific survey of the family, most of us would prefer to be students at Hogwarts. What about you? Also, If you could be a character from Harry Potter, who would you be?
I would probably in the end pick Hogwarts. I don't think however, I can't choose a character though. I would have way too much fun being me. I would probably be a little mischeievious as well. haha.
2. Did your companion sing Happy Birthday to you in German?
hah. No. Sister Niesen in the ward started that after church. It was like a linger longer and they all sang to me. It was nice. Awkard as always but nice. Haha.
3. How's the gospel progressing in Saarbrucken?
It's going. Slowly... It's been hard lately. Our investigators don't seem to show much interest. I am not really sure what's going to happen there. All in all. Slowly.
4. Have you seen spaghetti eis in Saarbrucken?
I actually haven't. I know you can find it anywhere, but I haven't been looking for it. Haha.
5. What fun things did you buy yourself for your birthday?
I bought a Dolce & Gabana cologne. It smells so good I could eat it. Haha.
6. How often do you get together with the Elders from your district on P-days?
Close to never. Probably like once a transfer. It takes 2 hours to get here from where they live. It's kinda unreasonable.
7. Do you have any Sisters in your district?
Nope thank heavens.
8. What is the most numerous immigrant group in Germany?
Oh that's a tough one. I would probably say Turks. They seem to be everywhere, but most of them are actually German. They were born here and grew up here. I dunno, you could try googling.
9. What did you do for your birthday?
I took a nap then went to an eating appointment.
10. What is the most common thing you say in German to people?
Schönen Tag noch. Have a nice day. The most common thing Germans say to me is "Keine Zeit" or I have no time.
11. Has anyone sworn at you in German (that you know of)?
Yep. It happens fairly regularly with the drunks. I think it's kinda funny.
12. When is your companion's birthday?
Like sometime in January.
13. Do you have a bucket list of things you want to accomplish in life?
Actually I do. I keep it in my Journal. Which I need to start writing in more often... Most of it involves just doing random crazy things like marathons and other stuff like that.
There is a marathon in Saarbrücken by the way in Sept. If I am still here for that I will definitely see if I can run it. Or maybe just a half... haha
Love you guys!
Elder Trevor Baker
P.S. Be safe? Mom, what do you think I am getting myself into around here? =] Just kidding, Elder Johnson and I stay safe.
The only things of noteworthy importance was that I had an eating appointment yesterday with cake and everything! It was way cool especially because we just ate with that family about one week ago. We had a great time.
As for the rest of the week. There was a lot of going outside trying to contact less actives while it was flipping hot outside. That was fun. It lasted luckily only a little while until we decided to take some time for planning what we are going to do with specific less actives and investigators. It may be slightly "lazy" or "cowardlike", but sometimes if you don't plan, you won't know what to do. And what better time to plan when its so flipping hot you have to change your shirt when you come back for dinner? Those are my 2 cents. Sucks for the Elders there though. 3-4 hours.... pfew...
As for the rest of the day. I feel like taking another nap. I don't think we have anything special planned except for family home evening tonight with the Escobar family. Should be legit.
1. In response to your question last week, and by my very scientific survey of the family, most of us would prefer to be students at Hogwarts. What about you? Also, If you could be a character from Harry Potter, who would you be?
I would probably in the end pick Hogwarts. I don't think however, I can't choose a character though. I would have way too much fun being me. I would probably be a little mischeievious as well. haha.
2. Did your companion sing Happy Birthday to you in German?
hah. No. Sister Niesen in the ward started that after church. It was like a linger longer and they all sang to me. It was nice. Awkard as always but nice. Haha.
3. How's the gospel progressing in Saarbrucken?
It's going. Slowly... It's been hard lately. Our investigators don't seem to show much interest. I am not really sure what's going to happen there. All in all. Slowly.
4. Have you seen spaghetti eis in Saarbrucken?
I actually haven't. I know you can find it anywhere, but I haven't been looking for it. Haha.
5. What fun things did you buy yourself for your birthday?
I bought a Dolce & Gabana cologne. It smells so good I could eat it. Haha.
6. How often do you get together with the Elders from your district on P-days?
Close to never. Probably like once a transfer. It takes 2 hours to get here from where they live. It's kinda unreasonable.
7. Do you have any Sisters in your district?
Nope thank heavens.
8. What is the most numerous immigrant group in Germany?
Oh that's a tough one. I would probably say Turks. They seem to be everywhere, but most of them are actually German. They were born here and grew up here. I dunno, you could try googling.
9. What did you do for your birthday?
I took a nap then went to an eating appointment.
10. What is the most common thing you say in German to people?
Schönen Tag noch. Have a nice day. The most common thing Germans say to me is "Keine Zeit" or I have no time.
11. Has anyone sworn at you in German (that you know of)?
Yep. It happens fairly regularly with the drunks. I think it's kinda funny.
12. When is your companion's birthday?
Like sometime in January.
13. Do you have a bucket list of things you want to accomplish in life?
Actually I do. I keep it in my Journal. Which I need to start writing in more often... Most of it involves just doing random crazy things like marathons and other stuff like that.
There is a marathon in Saarbrücken by the way in Sept. If I am still here for that I will definitely see if I can run it. Or maybe just a half... haha
Love you guys!
Elder Trevor Baker
P.S. Be safe? Mom, what do you think I am getting myself into around here? =] Just kidding, Elder Johnson and I stay safe.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
July 2, 2012 21st Birthday Week
Hey guys!
So this week has been pretty intense.
I got to do a split with Elder Jongejan. That was fun. We went out contacting and we talked to this fun black lady from Ghana. She said she had no time and that she was going to chuch and we asked if it was open for visitors. She said yes and we went! It was a Pentacostal church and we had a great time with their Bible study hour. We might go back. I am still debating it in my mind.
We also had a great time with one of the families here. We had an eating appointment with the Niesens. They are way epic members.
Then there is a member in Bitburg who is giving us a bunch of music. I am stoked.
Back to business...
Sunday was a way spiritual testimony meeting. I went up to bear my testimony. I talked about how important church is and how we need to attend. Ironic because we had around 30 people there with no investigators.
I have just one question for the kids, I just posed this on my comp. Would you rather be a student at Hogwarts or a Pokemon Trainer?
Now for all of your Questions!
Well we acutally have an appointment today so we have to get going. Hope you have a great week and sorry the Email isn't that long!
Elder Baker
So this week has been pretty intense.
I got to do a split with Elder Jongejan. That was fun. We went out contacting and we talked to this fun black lady from Ghana. She said she had no time and that she was going to chuch and we asked if it was open for visitors. She said yes and we went! It was a Pentacostal church and we had a great time with their Bible study hour. We might go back. I am still debating it in my mind.
We also had a great time with one of the families here. We had an eating appointment with the Niesens. They are way epic members.
Then there is a member in Bitburg who is giving us a bunch of music. I am stoked.
Back to business...
Sunday was a way spiritual testimony meeting. I went up to bear my testimony. I talked about how important church is and how we need to attend. Ironic because we had around 30 people there with no investigators.
I have just one question for the kids, I just posed this on my comp. Would you rather be a student at Hogwarts or a Pokemon Trainer?
Now for all of your Questions!
1. So, how did your zone conference go?
It went really well. I thought I talked about it but I can recap. It was mostly about planning and stuff like that.
2. Any new things going on in your mission?
Well, I have a feeling there will be a change in Saarbrücken. I don't know anything other than that.
3. Is Saarbrucken getting hot yet?
Actually it's pretty cool with overcast today. This week will be about the same, but last week it was pretty roasty.
4. How was the zoo?
We actually didn't go because Bitburg didnt have enough time. Kinda sucky but we gotta do what we gotta do...
5. Did your day of reactivation happen yet?
Yeah, that was like a month ago. We are still trying to gather all the information from it though.
6. What are your plans for this week? Any thing for your birthday? Dinner appointment?
Elder Johnson was dropping hints and we might have an appointment on that Sunday. I was hoping for a nice chillaxed day.
7. Do you do service hours each week as a missionary?
Very little. We ask all the time, but people here think its weird and not needed.
8. I heard that a guy from China stayed up for 5-6 days straight watching the Euro soccer games and then he died. I never knew you could die from a lack of sleep, but I guess it's so. Crazy! Have you seen lots of soccer craziness over there?
Yeah, everytime a game is played I cant go to sleep that night because they are driving around outside honking their horns. You should have heard when Germany won.
9. Happy 16 months! I'm actually not counting, but just realized it right now. When you get this it will be July 2nd. That's cool! Does it feel like 16 months?
No, not really. Haha. I don't really feel like I have been out that long. It feels more like a year.
Well we acutally have an appointment today so we have to get going. Hope you have a great week and sorry the Email isn't that long!
Elder Baker
June 25, 2012 Again
This week has been pretty good. We had an amazing appointment with one of our investigators but he didn't show up to church.
There was a cheese seminar this past week, and it was way intense. I learned all about cheese from Austria, Germany, France, and Switzerland. It was really cool. I even got to eat a bunch of it. But afterwards, we got extra and I don't think I can eat any more cheese for a while now. Haha.
I gave another talk in church this week and the members said it was good. But isnt that what they are supposed to say? Haha. I wrote it the night before, some things never change, do they? It was on how the gospel brings me joy. I thought I did a pretty good job.
There was also the Europa Cup. The Soccer championship for Europe. I may have watched a game at a member's house. I found it incredibly boring though.
I have been noticing some interesting things about how members in this ward show acceptance. Possibly even trust. They ask the missionaries to pray in about every class and give spiritual thoughts in about every meeting. I mean, I know we are here to support and uplift the ward, but I don't want the missionaries to replace opportunities for members to grow. Just a thought.
Other than that, its been an uneventful week. Question time!
1. How many new missionaries are coming to your mission each transfer? Is it about the same as when you went out?
I keep hearing mixed reports about how many missionaries are coming in. I dont know, it varies every transfer. What I do know is that a lot of people are leaving so a lot of people have to come in to keep areas open. I don't think there will be a surge in missionaries in Germany ever. President Uchtdorf said that there should only be one set of Elders in every ward.
There was a cheese seminar this past week, and it was way intense. I learned all about cheese from Austria, Germany, France, and Switzerland. It was really cool. I even got to eat a bunch of it. But afterwards, we got extra and I don't think I can eat any more cheese for a while now. Haha.
I gave another talk in church this week and the members said it was good. But isnt that what they are supposed to say? Haha. I wrote it the night before, some things never change, do they? It was on how the gospel brings me joy. I thought I did a pretty good job.
There was also the Europa Cup. The Soccer championship for Europe. I may have watched a game at a member's house. I found it incredibly boring though.
I have been noticing some interesting things about how members in this ward show acceptance. Possibly even trust. They ask the missionaries to pray in about every class and give spiritual thoughts in about every meeting. I mean, I know we are here to support and uplift the ward, but I don't want the missionaries to replace opportunities for members to grow. Just a thought.
Other than that, its been an uneventful week. Question time!
1. How many new missionaries are coming to your mission each transfer? Is it about the same as when you went out?
I keep hearing mixed reports about how many missionaries are coming in. I dont know, it varies every transfer. What I do know is that a lot of people are leaving so a lot of people have to come in to keep areas open. I don't think there will be a surge in missionaries in Germany ever. President Uchtdorf said that there should only be one set of Elders in every ward.
2. Have you ever gone to pick up any new missionaries when they arrive to Germany for the first time?
Nope, I probably will never be there unless I am in Frankfurt as a Zone Leader or if they put Elders in the office again.
3. What is the weather like there now?
Well, today has been kind of an anomaly in the local trend. It is overcast today and so it's a little colder.
4. Are there any areas with missionaries South of you in your mission?
The French missionaries are in Metz and there area covers a lot of ground including just south of the border. They came over on Sunday to meet with some members in the Forbach Branch.
5. How did your Zone Conference go?
It went pretty well. We had a good time other than the 3 and a half hours it took to get there.
6. What were the main messages that you took from your Zone Conference? Make plans based on how your wards and areas are doing. Basically planning.
7. Did you get to meet with your mission president? How did that go?
I of course spoke with him and he said that its been too long and we should have an interview. He said sometime in the next 2 weeks but I don't think that's going to happen until next zone conference because he is so busy.
8. What is your favorite thing about Germany? (Emma)
I really like the organization of the people. They are very methodical and thourough. They may not be as lax as Americans but they tend to get things done faster as a whole.
9. What is your least favorite thing? (Emma)
It's not America.
10. Do they have "Dollar Stores" in Germany? (Emma)
Yeah, actually, they have a bunch. Teddi is one of them. It's where I bought my flag. It's super cheap, but of course the quality is awful. Haha.
11. Any more advice about marching band? (Emma) Yeah, get in good shape by doing some cardio. It doesn't mean long distance running, but just get used to being active and drinking lots of water.
12. What schools do you want me to check on for you--CPCC? UNCC? Others? Yeah, that would be pretty good. I don't think I want to jump right into school just yet, I am starting to lean towards working until the fall semester of ´13.
13. What is one of the biggest lessons you have learned while on your mission? To put everything into perspective and place my priorities in order.
14. What are your plans for P-day? Any fun activities?
We are going to be going to the zoo with the Elders from Bitburg. Hopefully it will be good.
I will let you know how it goes! Love you guys!
-- Elder Trevor Joseph Baker
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