Well, here I am in a new city. I am in Saarbrücken right now. The area is actually for the entire state of Saarland. So basically, there are 2 Elders for the entire state. That's like 2 missionaries for the state of Vermont.
I guess the joke about this end of the mission is that we are in the bottom left hand corner where no info gets in or out. It's basically the black hole, kind of the opposite of how Wesel was, except ironically, Wesel was even more geographically separated from the rest of the mission. Haha.
Well, my comps name is Elder Wilkinson. He is from near Manchester and a pretty funny guy. We get along great and we have fun doing it. I don't really know what else there is to note... I will just stick with the questions for the filler material.
Yeah, this past week had been crazy busy with riding on trains all day and stuff. I don't think anything really cool has happened other than we had an eating appointment and one of our investigators has a baptismal date. Oh, something else to note is that I am in one of the nicest internet cafes I have ever been to.
Grammie´s Questions:
1. Do you watch General Conference in your ward building via a satelitte?
Yeah, last year we went to the Nürnberg stake center and watched it in another room in English. I hope that's what we do this time. I don't think I can pay attention that long in German.
2. Have you heard of any earthquake activity in Germany?
No, I really don't hear anything.
3. Will you have to learn some French?
No, I don't have to. But I wouldn't mind learning a little bit more than I know right now. It would help when ordering baguettes or something.
Baker Family Questions:
1. Can you bring me a cookie? (Katie to Emma) We miss your cookies Trevor : )
hah.
2. What is your favorite German Cookie? (Mom)
I don't really like German cookies. I really like the baked goods and pastries. We will see how the French stuff holds up to the German stuff.
3. What kinds of cookies are there in Germany? (Mom)
They are usually knock offs of Oreos or Chips Ahoy. The only German stuff are things like Shortbread cookies which are really big during Christmas time.
4. How is your new companion? (Mom)
He is way funny. He is from England. We are going to have some good times.
5. Is he cute? And is he going to BYU? When does he get home? (Katie)?
Don't start being an RM chaser. A mission is good, but it's not everything. You should see some of the kids that come out here...
6. Can you send us a note of all the rules to Yu-Gi-Oh? (Colin)
Oh boy, maybe. I would have to think about how to play it. Google might be your friend here. Get katie or someone to help.
7. Where is your companion from? (Grammie)
He is from Manchester England. It's some tiny place near it, but I can't remember.
8. Is the German in Saarbrucken different? Do you hear any French? (Mom)
No, not really. People tend to speak a little more clearly though. It's convienient.
9. Does your mission president ever come visit you out in the field? (Mom)
hah, no. He is one of the busiest men I have ever met. I don't know how he has time to sleep.
10. Who are the elders in your district now? (Mom)
Let's see, I am in a 4 man district. There is Elder Bateman and Elder Romieill Elder Wilkinson and me. The other Elders are in the Bittburg American ward.
11. When will you send more pictures? (Mom) I loved the last ones you sent. I'm putting the one of you near Holland up in the hall with your missionary plaque.
Probably when I take more pictures. I am working on making a little time for that.
12. Can you get pictures on your email and can you print them out? (Mom)
I would rather just have you email them. I can put them on a memory card and take it to a photo printing shop. It's pretty cheap.
13. Would you rather me send you pictures in the mail to the mission home or email you pictures? (Mom)
Just send them to me.
14. How is your email working out? (Mom)
I am loving it. It's so much easier than switching back and forth.
Sorry this week doesn't have much, but it's something right?
Love you guys, and have a great week. BTW I am almost at 13 months!
Elder Trevor Baker
Monday, March 26, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Going to Saarbrücken
Saarbrücken is in the Southwest part of Germany in Saarland. It is right next to France and is southeast of Luxembourg on the map.
March 19, 2012 It's Spring!
So the weather is amazing now! We are going to Krefeld to play ultimate frisbee with the other Elders in the District. I am way excited, it's finally warm enough to wear shorts.
So I guess for the big news. I have been transferred! I totally thought I was going to stay. Elder Baum has been here for a while, and I thought that we would either both stay or he would leave the area to me.
The new area I am going to is called Saarbrücken. It's in Saarland near the French border, and I will be serving with Elder Wilkinson. He is from Britain. Rumor even has it that the Elders in Saarbrücken do splits with the Elders in France once a month. I may even get to go to France! I know Katie will love that.
So yeah, Wesel was way cool while I was here, and it was way fun too.
1. When is your next transfer cycle?
Hah, today. I am in transfer 9 of 16.
2. Do you think you'll be transferred?
Just did. Haha.
3. Do you need anything?
Nope.
4. Do you want anything?
Course, but I hate being a burden, so I will wait for them. I may pick up a pin for Saarland and maybe a scarf from one of the soccer teams here.
5. How are your new pants?
Awesome! They are kinda loose though... I think I dropped a size. The problem with European pants is that they are tighter around the thighs. It wouldn't be so bad if I didn't have thunder thighs from being a runner my whole life. Haha.
6. Are your clothes fitting better now that you've lost a few pounds?
Yeah they are. I really like them now.
7. Do you ever wear your tennis shoes?
More often than you would think. They will probably be worn out by the time I get home.
8. Can you send home a letter or a story that you'd like the bishop to read in Sacrament meeting? I always love hearing missionary stories.
I have one. I will attach it to the end of the email.
9. Did you think of your favorite scripture in the Bible yet?
Acts 4:10-12
10. Have you taken any pictures in Wesel yet?
I don't think I've seen what Wesel looks like. Yeah, I did. Unfortunately it's not going to be as pretty as it was before they tore up the middle of the city to get rid of some trees. There is construction work everywhere.
11. Can you take some pictures of your apartment, too? It will be fun to look back and see what the places you lived at looked like.
Hah. You don't want to see that. Honestly.
12. Do they celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Germany?
No, I don't think so.
13. How often do you fast as a missionary?
Probably once a month. That usually covers it.
Two Sundays ago, a couple of people came into church that we didn't know. The Ward Mission Leader told us and we went and introduced ourselves to them. We had a good time in the meetings and even gave them a tour of the church and taught a lesson while we were doing it! We said goodbye, gave them information and they said they would come back next week. I honestly didn't expect them to come back.
Then last Sunday, the woman showed up again! She said that she really enjoys it here and she kept asking, "How do I know if this is the truth?" Well, the speaker cleared up that question and went through the entire Joseph Smith story. Throughout sacrament meeting, she was crying and I knew what she was feeling. After Sacrament meeting was over, I pulled out my Bible and went to James 1:5 and I said, " Joseph Smith hat diese Schriftstelle gelesen. Er hat das getan und er hat eine Antwort bekommen. Ich habe das getan und ich habe eine Antwort bekommen. Und Sie können das auch machen um eine Antwort zu bekommen." (I had to show off my German... sorry.) Joseph Smith read this scripture. He did what it said and received and answer. I have done it and I have received an answer. You can do it to and receive an answer. She was at this point in tears and said, "Thanks so much." She then wished me luck in Saarbrücken and then said, "I will never forget you."
It was a way cool moment. Then a few of the members came up and said that she was feeling the spirit. She knew it too. The only concern she had was that her entire family is Catholic. Then a member told her that she can give her family the same feeling even though they are gone. It was so awesome.
The last time someone came into the church wanting to learn, I was in Nürnberg. She was baptized by my former companion Elder Jongejan a couple of months after I left. She came in because she was looking, and the same goes for this investigator in Wesel. There are people on the search and even though I am leaving and won't be able to teach her, I am still super excited for her. She is Wesel's next baptism.
There you go. That's the story. I had to wait until the last day of the transfer for something that cool to happen, but it did.
I will let you all know how Saarbrücken goes.
Tschau!
Elder Trevor Baker
So I guess for the big news. I have been transferred! I totally thought I was going to stay. Elder Baum has been here for a while, and I thought that we would either both stay or he would leave the area to me.
The new area I am going to is called Saarbrücken. It's in Saarland near the French border, and I will be serving with Elder Wilkinson. He is from Britain. Rumor even has it that the Elders in Saarbrücken do splits with the Elders in France once a month. I may even get to go to France! I know Katie will love that.
So yeah, Wesel was way cool while I was here, and it was way fun too.
1. When is your next transfer cycle?
Hah, today. I am in transfer 9 of 16.
2. Do you think you'll be transferred?
Just did. Haha.
3. Do you need anything?
Nope.
4. Do you want anything?
Course, but I hate being a burden, so I will wait for them. I may pick up a pin for Saarland and maybe a scarf from one of the soccer teams here.
5. How are your new pants?
Awesome! They are kinda loose though... I think I dropped a size. The problem with European pants is that they are tighter around the thighs. It wouldn't be so bad if I didn't have thunder thighs from being a runner my whole life. Haha.
6. Are your clothes fitting better now that you've lost a few pounds?
Yeah they are. I really like them now.
7. Do you ever wear your tennis shoes?
More often than you would think. They will probably be worn out by the time I get home.
8. Can you send home a letter or a story that you'd like the bishop to read in Sacrament meeting? I always love hearing missionary stories.
I have one. I will attach it to the end of the email.
9. Did you think of your favorite scripture in the Bible yet?
Acts 4:10-12
10. Have you taken any pictures in Wesel yet?
I don't think I've seen what Wesel looks like. Yeah, I did. Unfortunately it's not going to be as pretty as it was before they tore up the middle of the city to get rid of some trees. There is construction work everywhere.
11. Can you take some pictures of your apartment, too? It will be fun to look back and see what the places you lived at looked like.
Hah. You don't want to see that. Honestly.
12. Do they celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Germany?
No, I don't think so.
13. How often do you fast as a missionary?
Probably once a month. That usually covers it.
Two Sundays ago, a couple of people came into church that we didn't know. The Ward Mission Leader told us and we went and introduced ourselves to them. We had a good time in the meetings and even gave them a tour of the church and taught a lesson while we were doing it! We said goodbye, gave them information and they said they would come back next week. I honestly didn't expect them to come back.
Then last Sunday, the woman showed up again! She said that she really enjoys it here and she kept asking, "How do I know if this is the truth?" Well, the speaker cleared up that question and went through the entire Joseph Smith story. Throughout sacrament meeting, she was crying and I knew what she was feeling. After Sacrament meeting was over, I pulled out my Bible and went to James 1:5 and I said, " Joseph Smith hat diese Schriftstelle gelesen. Er hat das getan und er hat eine Antwort bekommen. Ich habe das getan und ich habe eine Antwort bekommen. Und Sie können das auch machen um eine Antwort zu bekommen." (I had to show off my German... sorry.) Joseph Smith read this scripture. He did what it said and received and answer. I have done it and I have received an answer. You can do it to and receive an answer. She was at this point in tears and said, "Thanks so much." She then wished me luck in Saarbrücken and then said, "I will never forget you."
It was a way cool moment. Then a few of the members came up and said that she was feeling the spirit. She knew it too. The only concern she had was that her entire family is Catholic. Then a member told her that she can give her family the same feeling even though they are gone. It was so awesome.
The last time someone came into the church wanting to learn, I was in Nürnberg. She was baptized by my former companion Elder Jongejan a couple of months after I left. She came in because she was looking, and the same goes for this investigator in Wesel. There are people on the search and even though I am leaving and won't be able to teach her, I am still super excited for her. She is Wesel's next baptism.
There you go. That's the story. I had to wait until the last day of the transfer for something that cool to happen, but it did.
I will let you all know how Saarbrücken goes.
Tschau!
Elder Trevor Baker
Monday, March 12, 2012
March 12, 2012 Over the Hump!
Well hello everybody!
This week has been way busy. I will start off with some of the news. Elder Baum went to the doctor for some kind of throat pain. He got some antibiotics for it, and the doctor said it could be something with his stomach and that he could have laringitis. Fun stuff.
Then later during the week we had a stake wide mission preparation day for everyone who is preparing to go on a mission. We had classes from many returned missionaries and even had a fireside from the stake president. It was held in Wesel which is in the corner of the stake so the turn out wasn't as good as we hoped for, but we had 100% attendance from our ward and had a great time. I think the youth also enjoyed it, too. It was funny because even I learned a few things.
We also had a couple randomly show up to church on Sunday. They were a little older and said that they really enjoyed it. We gave them a tour of the building right afterwards and even taught a few principles as we were going through. Those kinds of moments you can't pass up.
The "Elder Christofferson Experience", as I like to call it, has already gone by. We had a 3 hour meeting with him and got to ask some cool questions. He is a very down to earth guy and reminds me a lot of Dad... It was funny to note how some of the missionaries were sucking up to him. I understand there is a difference between respect and sucking up, but they were suckin up haha. Even more interesting to note is that the missionary who wrote a letter to him (ZL) asked the most questions. Just a quick reminder, writing general authorities is not permitted and is against the white handbook rules. Double standard? Just food for thought.
Well, as far as "moving up the ranks" goes, I don't want anything to do with it. I have already made my desision to not play the game. I just dont see how being a DL or ZL is going to make me feel like I have accomplished anything. Basically, there is a problem with the "robots" in the mission and what isn't coincidental is that they are all in those spots... It also doesn't help that a lot of them walk around with their noses stuck out in the air. I have already isolated myself from it, so it's whatever.
If you can tell, I don't want anything to do with leadership positions. I have seen what it does to missionaries. It screws with their heads a lot. I don't want it, so don't be surprised if I never get put in. I could talk for hours about mission leadership, and I may write you a supplementary email next week about it. So hang tight!
Questions:
1. What do you usually do on p-day? What is your schedule like on that day?
Shopping, Emails... That's about it. Sometimes we go to Krefeld just because there isnt anything to do in Wesel.
2. Did you buy some new pants last week?
No I am buying them today! Yes!
3. When is your meeting with Elder Christofferson?
It was awesome! There was a stake fireside afterwards too that everyone enjoyed!
4. How much does gas cost in Germany?
like 1.49 a liter or something? Not really sure.
5. How much does milk cost or a loaf of bread?
Milk is 49 cents for 1 liter and 79 cents for a loaf of bread. You can tell that we eat a lot of it right? haha.
6. So what do you and Elder Baum do for fun on your p-day?
Window shopping... a dangerous pastime, I know.
7. Has Elder Baum had any investigators get baptized since he's been out?
Yeah, I think it was in Weimar. And Rebecca got baptized and I had a good convo with Elder Jongejan about it too!
8. Are there any cultural no-no's that are interesting over there? Like specific cultural rules that everyone follows? Shaking hands across people shaking hands... It makes a certain sign from a certain time period from a certain political faction...
9. What are typical names for dogs or cats over there?
The only ones that I have seen are Minka and Mimsy, both cats.
10. What is your favorite scripture in the Bible?
Ask me again, next week. I have too many that I would be looking for a while. I will have one picked out.
11. What is your favorite color these days?
Green!
12. How are your eyes? Are your glasses okay? (I see you in pictures without your glasses, so I'm just wondering). Yeah, they are good. I only use them for reading because I think my eyes are changing.
13. Do they have shopping malls over there? What about big discount stores like Walmart?
They have one in Duisburg, it's huge. Walmart? No, they have a Real. It's like a walmart but... well yeah, it's like a walmart. It's a little smaller too.
14. Do people grow their own little gardens?
I call them gypsy shacks. They have sheds that they keep their tools in and do their gardening on a little plot of land.
15. Are there farmer's markets where people can shop for local produce?
I have no idea. I think so but they are held usually on Sundays.
16. What is a popular kind of jelly or jam that people eat over there?
The Germans eat a MASSIVE variety of jams and jellies and Nutella and so on. They don't usually have dinner, they have Abendbrot. Literally evening bread. They put cheese or meat on it and have it like a dinner.
17. How many people are in your ward?
Probably somewhere around 70 active.
18. Do they have many youth in the ward?
Maybe 10 or so.
19. Have you seen Elder Mayle or any of your other companions since you've moved?
Yeah, he is still in Solingen so we see eachother for Zone Conference.
20. What is the best thing you can tell your mother this week? : )
I have gone from about 90 kilos to 83 kilos since I got back from Nürnberg! I am somewhere around 183 lbs now!
Yeah, so thats about it. Love you guys, and I am going to send a package home soon.
Elder Trevor Baker
This week has been way busy. I will start off with some of the news. Elder Baum went to the doctor for some kind of throat pain. He got some antibiotics for it, and the doctor said it could be something with his stomach and that he could have laringitis. Fun stuff.
Then later during the week we had a stake wide mission preparation day for everyone who is preparing to go on a mission. We had classes from many returned missionaries and even had a fireside from the stake president. It was held in Wesel which is in the corner of the stake so the turn out wasn't as good as we hoped for, but we had 100% attendance from our ward and had a great time. I think the youth also enjoyed it, too. It was funny because even I learned a few things.
We also had a couple randomly show up to church on Sunday. They were a little older and said that they really enjoyed it. We gave them a tour of the building right afterwards and even taught a few principles as we were going through. Those kinds of moments you can't pass up.
The "Elder Christofferson Experience", as I like to call it, has already gone by. We had a 3 hour meeting with him and got to ask some cool questions. He is a very down to earth guy and reminds me a lot of Dad... It was funny to note how some of the missionaries were sucking up to him. I understand there is a difference between respect and sucking up, but they were suckin up haha. Even more interesting to note is that the missionary who wrote a letter to him (ZL) asked the most questions. Just a quick reminder, writing general authorities is not permitted and is against the white handbook rules. Double standard? Just food for thought.
Well, as far as "moving up the ranks" goes, I don't want anything to do with it. I have already made my desision to not play the game. I just dont see how being a DL or ZL is going to make me feel like I have accomplished anything. Basically, there is a problem with the "robots" in the mission and what isn't coincidental is that they are all in those spots... It also doesn't help that a lot of them walk around with their noses stuck out in the air. I have already isolated myself from it, so it's whatever.
If you can tell, I don't want anything to do with leadership positions. I have seen what it does to missionaries. It screws with their heads a lot. I don't want it, so don't be surprised if I never get put in. I could talk for hours about mission leadership, and I may write you a supplementary email next week about it. So hang tight!
Questions:
1. What do you usually do on p-day? What is your schedule like on that day?
Shopping, Emails... That's about it. Sometimes we go to Krefeld just because there isnt anything to do in Wesel.
2. Did you buy some new pants last week?
No I am buying them today! Yes!
3. When is your meeting with Elder Christofferson?
It was awesome! There was a stake fireside afterwards too that everyone enjoyed!
4. How much does gas cost in Germany?
like 1.49 a liter or something? Not really sure.
5. How much does milk cost or a loaf of bread?
Milk is 49 cents for 1 liter and 79 cents for a loaf of bread. You can tell that we eat a lot of it right? haha.
6. So what do you and Elder Baum do for fun on your p-day?
Window shopping... a dangerous pastime, I know.
7. Has Elder Baum had any investigators get baptized since he's been out?
Yeah, I think it was in Weimar. And Rebecca got baptized and I had a good convo with Elder Jongejan about it too!
8. Are there any cultural no-no's that are interesting over there? Like specific cultural rules that everyone follows? Shaking hands across people shaking hands... It makes a certain sign from a certain time period from a certain political faction...
9. What are typical names for dogs or cats over there?
The only ones that I have seen are Minka and Mimsy, both cats.
10. What is your favorite scripture in the Bible?
Ask me again, next week. I have too many that I would be looking for a while. I will have one picked out.
11. What is your favorite color these days?
Green!
12. How are your eyes? Are your glasses okay? (I see you in pictures without your glasses, so I'm just wondering). Yeah, they are good. I only use them for reading because I think my eyes are changing.
13. Do they have shopping malls over there? What about big discount stores like Walmart?
They have one in Duisburg, it's huge. Walmart? No, they have a Real. It's like a walmart but... well yeah, it's like a walmart. It's a little smaller too.
14. Do people grow their own little gardens?
I call them gypsy shacks. They have sheds that they keep their tools in and do their gardening on a little plot of land.
15. Are there farmer's markets where people can shop for local produce?
I have no idea. I think so but they are held usually on Sundays.
16. What is a popular kind of jelly or jam that people eat over there?
The Germans eat a MASSIVE variety of jams and jellies and Nutella and so on. They don't usually have dinner, they have Abendbrot. Literally evening bread. They put cheese or meat on it and have it like a dinner.
17. How many people are in your ward?
Probably somewhere around 70 active.
18. Do they have many youth in the ward?
Maybe 10 or so.
19. Have you seen Elder Mayle or any of your other companions since you've moved?
Yeah, he is still in Solingen so we see eachother for Zone Conference.
20. What is the best thing you can tell your mother this week? : )
I have gone from about 90 kilos to 83 kilos since I got back from Nürnberg! I am somewhere around 183 lbs now!
Yeah, so thats about it. Love you guys, and I am going to send a package home soon.
Elder Trevor Baker
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
March 5, 2012 Start of Year 2!!
I am officially over the mark! Over 1 year baby! Woot!
Well we dropped our last investigator this past week. It was a mutual agreement. She knows that she can't progress with what she has going on in her life, so we are taking a pause. We told her that when her circumstances change, she is free to call us. I hope and pray that everything will work out for her. It's always hard to drop people, but sometimes it has to be done.
Well what that means is that we have 24/7 finding time since we have no one to teach. It's pretty hard especially since neither of us enjoy finding.
Elder Baum and I have found out how to get along which I find rather surprising. I would think of it as a refreshing new start. I guess if you spend enough time with someone you will learn to like them (or at least get used to them), even though we hate each other. Haha. We just joke about it now. It's like its a running gag...
One interesting little morsel of political deliciousness (this is for you Dad) is one of the new mission policy sheets. Apparently we are no longer allowed to have any kind of "worldly entertainment." Now what it means by this is we are no longer allowed to have "playing cards, games, or any other kind of hobby equipment." Even though it doesn't say we cant "play" them...
Now I know what you are thinking. There must be a really bad problem in the mission with spending time playing games, but as far as I have seen there really isn't a problem. We still study, leave the house on time, and do proselyting with having the time to go play a quick game of "Settlers of Catan" before sleep. Just my opinion.
Speaking of opinions, I have figured out that sometimes even though you are right, you shouldn't always voice it. Last time I did voice it, and I felt like it put me a step back. Honestly I don't think that is a negative thing. I can't really explain it in words. It's hard. Haha. But you will see it in me when I get back home. Well I hope you will see that I have changed for the better. I have still maintained who I am, but it's like a Tevo 2.0, smarter, faster, better looking! haha
On a short side note, I heard one of the ZLs say that he was surprised that Elder Rampton (in my district and someone I have a lot of respect for) hasn't started a mutiny yet. Seriously? I guess the ZL is playing the game. Whatever man. Grow up.
I have really been thinking about studying law when I get home. I know its a long way off, but it's something to ponder about at the very least. It's a subject and facet of the gospel that is very applicable to life, vocation, and even the grand eternal scheme of things. What is going to be the biggest moment of our existence? Judgement. The great and terrible day of the Lord. The pleasing bar of God. That's the whole reason we are here on this earth. To prepare for judgement.
All of it deals with law. Law is an eternal principle. We have commandments, which we must keep to avoid punishments. There are consequences for our actions. Every single one creates ripples in the expanses of eternity.
All of that, and you can make a killer living off of it too. :)
So those are just a few of the thoughts I had a couple nights ago while I was in a really pensive state of mind.
I am diggin the questions this week!
1. What is gluhwein mugs (sp?) (Grammie)
Those are basically mugs that come with alcohol. Gluhwein is some kind of Wine. It is usually served warm and popular around Christmas time.
2. What is Nuremberg wurst mit kraut - she said it is the best wurst in Germany, do you agree? (Grammie) Is this kraut like our sour kraut here?
That is basically a Bratwurst or similar to a hot dog, with a kind of relish on top. The Kraut is litterally a weed. Sometimes they are pickled.
3. What is spaetzle - looks like noodles in the picture. (Grammie)
It is actually, just noodles. What makes it special is the cheese and sauce that people put on it.
4. What is jagerschnitzell? (Grammie)
A hunk of meat that has a specific kind of jager sauce or spice on it.
5. Does Germany go on Daylight Savings Time? (Grammie) We change the clocks forward an hour next Sunday.
I don't think so, I haven't even noticed. Haha.
6. What kind of fruit trees grow in Germany? (Grammie)
Probably lots of apple trees. Ther Germans love apples.
1. Does your companion have a sense of humor? (Dad)
Yeah, kinda dry and sarcastic.
2. How are your clothes fitting? (Mom)
Well, they still fit. I lost 4 kilos since I got from Nürnberg. That's about 8lbs.
3. What day do you do the most walking? (Dad)
Sunday. We have to walk 40 minutes to get to church.
4. Is it still in dead of winter, or has it started to warm up yet? (Dad)
It's started to warm up, but its still chilly. The wind is really the kicker.
5. Do you get to go to the temple while you are on your mission? (Mom)
I actually found out last night that I get to go with the ward on Easter Monday.
6. What was the funniest thing anyone has said to you when you were knocking on doors? (Dad)
Probably the guy who came to the door in nothing but underwear who says, "As you can see, I really don't have time right now." Haha.
7. Have you been chased by any dogs? (Mom)
No, I am rather surprised at how well trained dogs are here. People walk them all the time.
8. What is your favorite meal in Germany? (Dad)
Probably Rouladen. Its rolled up meat rolled in Bacon and sometimes it has veggies inside. It's typically served with potatoes.
9. Do you see lots of Volkswagen Bugs in Germany? (Emma)
I have seen only 3 since I have been here.
10. Do you wake up on your own or do you need your alarm? (Mom)
Both. Haha.
11. What time do you wake up? (Mom)
6:30
12. What time do you go to bed? (Mom)
11:00 to 11:30. I like to write things down that happened during the day.
13. What is a typical day like for you? (Mom)
Wake up. Prep for the day. Study. Get some random task done. Eat lunch. Go to an appointment an hour and a half away. Come home and have an evening meal. Go outside and try to talk with people. Get rejected. Swallow sadness. Make some phone calls. Plan. Then wind down for sleep. (Mom here...Awwww...this sounds so hard and so sad. He needs our prayers!)
Elder Trevor Baker
P.S. This is the most disgusting keyboard I have ever seen.
Well we dropped our last investigator this past week. It was a mutual agreement. She knows that she can't progress with what she has going on in her life, so we are taking a pause. We told her that when her circumstances change, she is free to call us. I hope and pray that everything will work out for her. It's always hard to drop people, but sometimes it has to be done.
Well what that means is that we have 24/7 finding time since we have no one to teach. It's pretty hard especially since neither of us enjoy finding.
Elder Baum and I have found out how to get along which I find rather surprising. I would think of it as a refreshing new start. I guess if you spend enough time with someone you will learn to like them (or at least get used to them), even though we hate each other. Haha. We just joke about it now. It's like its a running gag...
One interesting little morsel of political deliciousness (this is for you Dad) is one of the new mission policy sheets. Apparently we are no longer allowed to have any kind of "worldly entertainment." Now what it means by this is we are no longer allowed to have "playing cards, games, or any other kind of hobby equipment." Even though it doesn't say we cant "play" them...
Now I know what you are thinking. There must be a really bad problem in the mission with spending time playing games, but as far as I have seen there really isn't a problem. We still study, leave the house on time, and do proselyting with having the time to go play a quick game of "Settlers of Catan" before sleep. Just my opinion.
Speaking of opinions, I have figured out that sometimes even though you are right, you shouldn't always voice it. Last time I did voice it, and I felt like it put me a step back. Honestly I don't think that is a negative thing. I can't really explain it in words. It's hard. Haha. But you will see it in me when I get back home. Well I hope you will see that I have changed for the better. I have still maintained who I am, but it's like a Tevo 2.0, smarter, faster, better looking! haha
On a short side note, I heard one of the ZLs say that he was surprised that Elder Rampton (in my district and someone I have a lot of respect for) hasn't started a mutiny yet. Seriously? I guess the ZL is playing the game. Whatever man. Grow up.
I have really been thinking about studying law when I get home. I know its a long way off, but it's something to ponder about at the very least. It's a subject and facet of the gospel that is very applicable to life, vocation, and even the grand eternal scheme of things. What is going to be the biggest moment of our existence? Judgement. The great and terrible day of the Lord. The pleasing bar of God. That's the whole reason we are here on this earth. To prepare for judgement.
All of it deals with law. Law is an eternal principle. We have commandments, which we must keep to avoid punishments. There are consequences for our actions. Every single one creates ripples in the expanses of eternity.
All of that, and you can make a killer living off of it too. :)
So those are just a few of the thoughts I had a couple nights ago while I was in a really pensive state of mind.
I am diggin the questions this week!
1. What is gluhwein mugs (sp?) (Grammie)
Those are basically mugs that come with alcohol. Gluhwein is some kind of Wine. It is usually served warm and popular around Christmas time.
2. What is Nuremberg wurst mit kraut - she said it is the best wurst in Germany, do you agree? (Grammie) Is this kraut like our sour kraut here?
That is basically a Bratwurst or similar to a hot dog, with a kind of relish on top. The Kraut is litterally a weed. Sometimes they are pickled.
3. What is spaetzle - looks like noodles in the picture. (Grammie)
It is actually, just noodles. What makes it special is the cheese and sauce that people put on it.
4. What is jagerschnitzell? (Grammie)
A hunk of meat that has a specific kind of jager sauce or spice on it.
5. Does Germany go on Daylight Savings Time? (Grammie) We change the clocks forward an hour next Sunday.
I don't think so, I haven't even noticed. Haha.
6. What kind of fruit trees grow in Germany? (Grammie)
Probably lots of apple trees. Ther Germans love apples.
1. Does your companion have a sense of humor? (Dad)
Yeah, kinda dry and sarcastic.
2. How are your clothes fitting? (Mom)
Well, they still fit. I lost 4 kilos since I got from Nürnberg. That's about 8lbs.
3. What day do you do the most walking? (Dad)
Sunday. We have to walk 40 minutes to get to church.
4. Is it still in dead of winter, or has it started to warm up yet? (Dad)
It's started to warm up, but its still chilly. The wind is really the kicker.
5. Do you get to go to the temple while you are on your mission? (Mom)
I actually found out last night that I get to go with the ward on Easter Monday.
6. What was the funniest thing anyone has said to you when you were knocking on doors? (Dad)
Probably the guy who came to the door in nothing but underwear who says, "As you can see, I really don't have time right now." Haha.
7. Have you been chased by any dogs? (Mom)
No, I am rather surprised at how well trained dogs are here. People walk them all the time.
8. What is your favorite meal in Germany? (Dad)
Probably Rouladen. Its rolled up meat rolled in Bacon and sometimes it has veggies inside. It's typically served with potatoes.
9. Do you see lots of Volkswagen Bugs in Germany? (Emma)
I have seen only 3 since I have been here.
10. Do you wake up on your own or do you need your alarm? (Mom)
Both. Haha.
11. What time do you wake up? (Mom)
6:30
12. What time do you go to bed? (Mom)
11:00 to 11:30. I like to write things down that happened during the day.
13. What is a typical day like for you? (Mom)
Wake up. Prep for the day. Study. Get some random task done. Eat lunch. Go to an appointment an hour and a half away. Come home and have an evening meal. Go outside and try to talk with people. Get rejected. Swallow sadness. Make some phone calls. Plan. Then wind down for sleep. (Mom here...Awwww...this sounds so hard and so sad. He needs our prayers!)
Elder Trevor Baker
P.S. This is the most disgusting keyboard I have ever seen.
Monday, February 27, 2012
February 27, 2012 Hump Week!
Zone Conference...
Well this Zone conference was pretty good. I enjoyed it and I think that President Schwartz took a few things that I said into consideration.
I learned a few more things that we can do with people in regards to contacting (which I still loathe). And I learned some other creative finding techniques which I am half tempted to use.
We found out that Elder D. Todd Christofferson is goong to be in Düsseldorf and we get to have a 2 hour meeting with him! It's actually only for the missionaries in the Düsseldorf and Dortmund zones so its going to be a really small meeting. I am excited for what he has to say.
There was one thing (actually 2) that the Dortmund ZL said that was interesting. He said twice that we just need to forget who we are in the work. I was sitting in the back thinking, "No, thats the opposite from the truth." I didn't say anything but I kinda whished that I did. It's something thats stupidly insignificant so it seems, but out here, it's all about the mindset.
Of course it was fascinating to note how a few of the missionaries got up for the testimony meeting just to suck up and brown nose to President Schwartz. Those kind of things always happen, but I just ignored it. Haha.
I got a few letters, which I am writing drafts for responses and coming up with ideas for what kind of stories I should include.
This week has been so crazy. Mostly just politics/drama. Our district has taken some hard hits with investigators. M'Gladbach had both of their investigators leave them and we have been having a hard time with people progressing. Our investigator (yeah, we have like 1) is really having a hard time right now. Unfortunately, we as missionaries can't do anything for her. She has to make a desicion. Hopefully she makes the right one.
Right well that's about all that happened this week. I feel so burned out, I just want a break. I dont know where I am supposed to find all this energy I need.
Questions!
1. Do school age students wear uniforms to school over there?
No, actually, people working don't usually have a dress code either. Normally they just wear street clothes. It's pretty interesting and informal, unless of course you see a businessman or something.
2. Do they have minivans over there?
Surprisingly yes, but they look like turtles and don't look like American cars. Thats one of the first things I noticed, that German cars look funny. I dont know what American cars look like anymore. Haha.
3. What is your favorite saying in German that you like to use?
Probably "genau" (exactly) or "Das stimmt doch gar nicht!" (That's not true!) I think that with every companion I have been with, I have used a different phrase or saying or movie quote.
4. Do you have any favorite scriptures that you'd like to tell us so we can look them up this week?
5. Do you use a German Preach My Gospel book? Y
eah, I don't use it that often though. I dont' have time to sit and search for what I am looking for. I usually just study in English and when I have a word that I don't know in German, I look it up.
6. Do you have a German set of scriptures that you use everyday?
Yeah actually. I use the Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price, and D&C, and a German Bible. I have been using the Martin Luther translation of it. I like it better than the one I got at the MTC. It's the one that Joseph Smith said was the most correct translation. I am still working on getting an older text version which doesnt have any of the revisions that the new one has.
7. How often do you clean your apartment?
Weekly. It usually gets pretty dirty, so we clean it when it gets too unbearable.
8. Do you have a laundry facility in your apartment?
We have a washer in our apartment and a drying rack. That's about it.
9. How many wards are in Wesel?
1.
10. Does your mission president know English? Y
ep, he speaks Denglish all the time though. It's really funny.
Thanks for the good questions this week! Friday is Hump Day!
Elder Trevor Baker
Well this Zone conference was pretty good. I enjoyed it and I think that President Schwartz took a few things that I said into consideration.
I learned a few more things that we can do with people in regards to contacting (which I still loathe). And I learned some other creative finding techniques which I am half tempted to use.
We found out that Elder D. Todd Christofferson is goong to be in Düsseldorf and we get to have a 2 hour meeting with him! It's actually only for the missionaries in the Düsseldorf and Dortmund zones so its going to be a really small meeting. I am excited for what he has to say.
There was one thing (actually 2) that the Dortmund ZL said that was interesting. He said twice that we just need to forget who we are in the work. I was sitting in the back thinking, "No, thats the opposite from the truth." I didn't say anything but I kinda whished that I did. It's something thats stupidly insignificant so it seems, but out here, it's all about the mindset.
Of course it was fascinating to note how a few of the missionaries got up for the testimony meeting just to suck up and brown nose to President Schwartz. Those kind of things always happen, but I just ignored it. Haha.
I got a few letters, which I am writing drafts for responses and coming up with ideas for what kind of stories I should include.
This week has been so crazy. Mostly just politics/drama. Our district has taken some hard hits with investigators. M'Gladbach had both of their investigators leave them and we have been having a hard time with people progressing. Our investigator (yeah, we have like 1) is really having a hard time right now. Unfortunately, we as missionaries can't do anything for her. She has to make a desicion. Hopefully she makes the right one.
Right well that's about all that happened this week. I feel so burned out, I just want a break. I dont know where I am supposed to find all this energy I need.
Questions!
1. Do school age students wear uniforms to school over there?
No, actually, people working don't usually have a dress code either. Normally they just wear street clothes. It's pretty interesting and informal, unless of course you see a businessman or something.
2. Do they have minivans over there?
Surprisingly yes, but they look like turtles and don't look like American cars. Thats one of the first things I noticed, that German cars look funny. I dont know what American cars look like anymore. Haha.
3. What is your favorite saying in German that you like to use?
Probably "genau" (exactly) or "Das stimmt doch gar nicht!" (That's not true!) I think that with every companion I have been with, I have used a different phrase or saying or movie quote.
4. Do you have any favorite scriptures that you'd like to tell us so we can look them up this week?
5. Do you use a German Preach My Gospel book? Y
eah, I don't use it that often though. I dont' have time to sit and search for what I am looking for. I usually just study in English and when I have a word that I don't know in German, I look it up.
6. Do you have a German set of scriptures that you use everyday?
Yeah actually. I use the Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price, and D&C, and a German Bible. I have been using the Martin Luther translation of it. I like it better than the one I got at the MTC. It's the one that Joseph Smith said was the most correct translation. I am still working on getting an older text version which doesnt have any of the revisions that the new one has.
7. How often do you clean your apartment?
Weekly. It usually gets pretty dirty, so we clean it when it gets too unbearable.
8. Do you have a laundry facility in your apartment?
We have a washer in our apartment and a drying rack. That's about it.
9. How many wards are in Wesel?
1.
10. Does your mission president know English? Y
ep, he speaks Denglish all the time though. It's really funny.
Thanks for the good questions this week! Friday is Hump Day!
Elder Trevor Baker
February 20, 2012 Letter to a Family Friend
Here's a letter Trevor sent to us that he's going to send to a family friend we just got back in contact with. He knew Trevor as a little baby in Western Samoa. I just liked the letter so much, that I thought I would post it for all to read. --Kris Baker
I got an email from my dad and he said that you might have some interest in some aspects of mission life out here in Germany.
Well I guess first thing is first, I will let you know about the cities I have been in so far. I have been in Krefeld ( Near Duesseldorf ), Wesel ( Also near Duesseldorf), and Nuermberg. Krefeld and Wesel were nearly completely destroyed during the war so there is not much in respect of historical sites, but they are still really cool cities. Nuermberg was actually Hitler's main city and it was there that he built a massive complex of buildings and an arena. I wish I had some pictures of it. It looks just like Germany should look like. There is even a castle too.
Well the rumor around here goes that Germany is a hard place to serve a mission. Every mission is hard, but I know that Germany is the place for me to be because the trials there are suited perfectly for me and my weaknesses. The Lord really does lead his church by inspired leaders.
As far as "success" goes around here, it is hard to gauge it in terms of the visual "fruits of your labor." The statistic is that out of every 1000 doors knocked, there is a baptism. The way that I measure success is that if I come home from my mission without a single baptism, without a single person that I ever talk to take any steps closer to Christ, and without any recognition or praise, I would still consider it a success under the one condition that I learned something, and made myself a better person by applying what I have learned.
Personally, I have not experienced a baptism of anyone that I have taught. However, there are a couple of people who are ready to be baptized and are working towards it. There is an investigator in Nuermberg named Rebecca. She is 17 and was doimg a report in school on Mormon women. On one Sunday, she just came right into sacrament meeting and asked if she could learn more. We of course said yes and proceeded to teach her the missionary lessons. We had finished with the first three when we asked her about her report. She said that she already finished and was learning more for herself. At this point she was almost done with reading the Book of Mormon. Later we asked her if she had a testimony of the Book of Mormon and I asked her to explain what she felt. She said that she felt relly calm and that it felt nice whenever she thought about it. It is truly amazing the power of prayer that we can recieve answers from our Heavenly Father. She now has a baptismal date on the 18th of February, the day after she turns 18.
There is also an investigator we had in Krefeld who was contacted on the street about a year ago. His name is Eckhardt. He is an older guy but extremely intelligent. I actually couldn't understand him for the first 3 months I met with him because he likes to use really complex German words. Well after about 6 or 7 months, he finally came to church and started making progress. Then once he started progressing, his life went to total chaos. He got evicted, his mother-in-law passed away, he lost his job, and he got really sick. By this time I am in Nuermberg and the Elders lost contact with him for a while. When they finally came back into contact with him, he said that he needs to be baptized. He finally recieved his answer. During this proccess, he said that what the missionaries taught him destroyed every concept of religion that he had before. He said that this isn't just another shallow religion, but that this is what he was searching for. The Elders are setting a date with him as I write this letter!
Of course those kinds of stories are the things that really make it worth it being out here. There are always the punk kids who decide they want to yell "Sect!" at us or even the occasional beer bottle they throw at us. Last week actually there were a bunch of kids that were harrassing us. Nothing came of it, but it does happen. Sometimes we make fun of them by making the situation really awkward for them. Haha, it's great.
With all of the crappy things that can go on here and even having to live with the rules ( some of which I don't like, but I won't go into that), being out here really is the best thing I have ever done. I don't think I can ever say, "Going on a mission was the best thing in my life." But I can say that going on a mission is the best thing I could ever do for my life. It has taught me so much that I could write volumes on what I have gathered. It has taught me what really matters most in life, and it has taught me where I am weak and where I am strong. I have learned how to deal with stress, frustration, and pride. All of these things aside, I have learned most of all about myself. I have learned who I am, where I came from and where I am going.
There is a quote from Truman G. Madsen and it goes
like this:
"One begins mortality with the veil drawn. But slowly he is moved to penetrate the veil within himself. He is, in time, led to seek the Holy of Holies within the temple of his own being."
-Elder Trevor Joseph Baker
I got an email from my dad and he said that you might have some interest in some aspects of mission life out here in Germany.
Well I guess first thing is first, I will let you know about the cities I have been in so far. I have been in Krefeld ( Near Duesseldorf ), Wesel ( Also near Duesseldorf), and Nuermberg. Krefeld and Wesel were nearly completely destroyed during the war so there is not much in respect of historical sites, but they are still really cool cities. Nuermberg was actually Hitler's main city and it was there that he built a massive complex of buildings and an arena. I wish I had some pictures of it. It looks just like Germany should look like. There is even a castle too.
Well the rumor around here goes that Germany is a hard place to serve a mission. Every mission is hard, but I know that Germany is the place for me to be because the trials there are suited perfectly for me and my weaknesses. The Lord really does lead his church by inspired leaders.
As far as "success" goes around here, it is hard to gauge it in terms of the visual "fruits of your labor." The statistic is that out of every 1000 doors knocked, there is a baptism. The way that I measure success is that if I come home from my mission without a single baptism, without a single person that I ever talk to take any steps closer to Christ, and without any recognition or praise, I would still consider it a success under the one condition that I learned something, and made myself a better person by applying what I have learned.
Personally, I have not experienced a baptism of anyone that I have taught. However, there are a couple of people who are ready to be baptized and are working towards it. There is an investigator in Nuermberg named Rebecca. She is 17 and was doimg a report in school on Mormon women. On one Sunday, she just came right into sacrament meeting and asked if she could learn more. We of course said yes and proceeded to teach her the missionary lessons. We had finished with the first three when we asked her about her report. She said that she already finished and was learning more for herself. At this point she was almost done with reading the Book of Mormon. Later we asked her if she had a testimony of the Book of Mormon and I asked her to explain what she felt. She said that she felt relly calm and that it felt nice whenever she thought about it. It is truly amazing the power of prayer that we can recieve answers from our Heavenly Father. She now has a baptismal date on the 18th of February, the day after she turns 18.
There is also an investigator we had in Krefeld who was contacted on the street about a year ago. His name is Eckhardt. He is an older guy but extremely intelligent. I actually couldn't understand him for the first 3 months I met with him because he likes to use really complex German words. Well after about 6 or 7 months, he finally came to church and started making progress. Then once he started progressing, his life went to total chaos. He got evicted, his mother-in-law passed away, he lost his job, and he got really sick. By this time I am in Nuermberg and the Elders lost contact with him for a while. When they finally came back into contact with him, he said that he needs to be baptized. He finally recieved his answer. During this proccess, he said that what the missionaries taught him destroyed every concept of religion that he had before. He said that this isn't just another shallow religion, but that this is what he was searching for. The Elders are setting a date with him as I write this letter!
Of course those kinds of stories are the things that really make it worth it being out here. There are always the punk kids who decide they want to yell "Sect!" at us or even the occasional beer bottle they throw at us. Last week actually there were a bunch of kids that were harrassing us. Nothing came of it, but it does happen. Sometimes we make fun of them by making the situation really awkward for them. Haha, it's great.
With all of the crappy things that can go on here and even having to live with the rules ( some of which I don't like, but I won't go into that), being out here really is the best thing I have ever done. I don't think I can ever say, "Going on a mission was the best thing in my life." But I can say that going on a mission is the best thing I could ever do for my life. It has taught me so much that I could write volumes on what I have gathered. It has taught me what really matters most in life, and it has taught me where I am weak and where I am strong. I have learned how to deal with stress, frustration, and pride. All of these things aside, I have learned most of all about myself. I have learned who I am, where I came from and where I am going.
There is a quote from Truman G. Madsen and it goes
like this:
"One begins mortality with the veil drawn. But slowly he is moved to penetrate the veil within himself. He is, in time, led to seek the Holy of Holies within the temple of his own being."
-Elder Trevor Joseph Baker
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