December 17, 2012

So this week it didn't end up working out for Herr Kluge. He is an investigator from the Elders in Glienicke (The other area in our district). He got super sick on the day of the interview and the missionaries haven't heard from him since then.

But the good news is: I able to see a baptism anyways! haha. I went on an exchange to Greifswald with Elder Smith to see him baptise his investigator! It was an amazing experience. I was able to see a new area, a wonderful ward, a very well done christmas celebration, and most importantly, I was able to see Sylvia enter into a beautiful covenant with the Lord! I actually met Sylvia on Monday! She came down to Berlin and she spent a p-day with the Glienicke Elders and with us!

This last week we also had a large Zone Konferenz with the counselor of the Area Presidency, President Richards and his wife Sister Richards. It was an excellent experience. It was also our 'Christmas Zoko' so I got packages from the family and from oma and opa :) I haven't opened them yet... ahhh! I had Elder Marshall hide them from me so that I don't open them. It's killing me.

Elder Smith and Elder Bossart are both dying tomorrow. The other half of the district is going to be gone! haha. So we will be absorbed into district Marzahn for the next couple of weeks (until the new transfer starts, and then we'll figure something else out). We heard that we will be going caroling after district meeting! I'm super excited. Oh! and the Christmas Concert for the stake went very well! There were a ton of people that were there, and the music was amazing. There is some real talent in Berlin!

So there are people being called to Berlin?! GOOD. Our mission should be expanding from the ~200 that we have now, up to ~270 around March! It should be interesting to see how everything plays out. I have heard multiple times that "EVERY Sister will train new missionaries!". President Kosak already has some difficulties managing everything for 200 missionaries... so with 270?... The mission might be split! that would be very interesting. It was split just a few years ago into Hamburg and Berlin Missions. We'll see-only time will tell :)

Hahahaha. Poor Shawn :P those questions were the worst... what were his answers?? haha. DID he? and if he didn't, did he WANT to? :P nahhh I'm just playing. The Neon died?? sad day... but it was cheap... so.. haha naja. das Leben geht weiter.

I love Jason. Tell him hello for me :) and tell him to email me? that would be nice :)

I love you all so so very very much!

Liebe Grüße!
Elder Braden Thorkelson

p.s. I'm still a goof and I haven't sent a package yet... I have everything except for a box to send it in... we'll see. They will most likely be new years gifts... :) haha.