Coming up to 2019!

So this week was so much fun for the people of Krefeld. Let me tell you.

We had three appointments of Christmas invitations and that was the best. I have never been so full in my life. Like legit Elder Forsey made German pancakes for breakfast and it was a lot of food, lot more than we thought. And than we had an appointment and I just ate so much more and let's just say I had the feeling of when you eat too much you can't breath... So I was like hyperventilating at the table but that's okay! It was amazing. 

Work is going well. The family came to church again. They loved it and they are amazing. Will just say that. 

And transfer calls are this Saturday, so that's always new and exciting. I remember saarbrücken last year for Christmas and that definitely has some sweet memories. Sad to see this is my last Christmas here, and it's so awesome! Gonna miss the Christmas markets and such.

I guess it's more of a letter though to say how grateful I am for the Savior. He really shows the example of happiness. People all around search for what makes them happy, but I truly believe if someone wants to be happy, that is only made possible by trying to live God's plan, and that is living the commandments. They were never meant to be a barrier for us to experiencing more joy in other things, but is truly a way to stay happy and safe. Jesus christ is the gift for when we aren't perfect and is the example on how to strive for something better than we already are. He heals depression, doubt, concern, death, and all things that are hard. It sounds too good to be true but it isnt because I am proud enough to say that I am an after effect of Jesus christ and his atonement. I feel free and happy even during the hardest trials. It's always nice to know I've never been alone in a work such as this. Now it's time to go out with a bang so I've gotta make some new "new year missionary resolutions" haha. It's gonna be a blast for these next three months....

So yea that is the message of this email. Simply love the life you have and can only say to all those that read this.... True happiness comes from those who follow the Saviour Jesus christ. I only know it to be true because I tried it out for myself and have a testimony that it works. And it will always work because God wants it to work for you. It's always great to know that God of all people is cheering for you and your success. So hang out with the missionaries someday and 10/10 you will leave happier than you were.

I love you guys. 

Elder Monroe

So me and Elder Forsey were contacting two months ago and we came across a family in the Fuß. (Outside mall) and came across a family. Contacted them and got to know them. They were really friendly but they said they would not give out their info but would take a card and perhaps one day come to church....

Got my hopes down a little cause no number but gave them a card anyways inviting them to church. Continued on the road and started contacting as normal. 

Two months later as I was sitting in the chapel about to pass the sacrament a member came up to me and said we had an investigator here, but we were already expecting a Chinese member to have English translation. Ran over to get the guy and saw him as expected... But behind him was the family we contacted, and they are so awesome! They just went up to us and said

Hey I remember you guys! 

How cool is that! And the kids were the best part. The youngest boy Finn who is 8,9 and Justin who is 12 (legendary name BTWs) and the eldest of course and super spiritual daughter called Cindy. The mother is called Helen but am just gonna say it's a miracle she has kids. The kids in the Ward instantly became friends with the other kids and now the kids wanna come every week! The member kids did some of the best befriending I have ever seen! The kids demanded the mom they come again so we are very excited about them, and the best part was the youngest went around everywhere and introduced himself to all the members and the members just had a blast. The ward already loves them.

Anyways been finding more and more people and looking for the special prepared ones like that family.

Setting up for the Christmas time has always been a blast and been going by lots of members giving the special Christmas message. Love this time of year. Crazy to think that in less than two weeks it's Christmas so... That's a scary thought. 

And pday today is Wednesday in case yall are wondering... Tomorrow is zone conference. 

Anyways here's been a pump up week for me and wish yall the best. 

I love yall

Elder Monroe

(Sadly didn't take pics again. So I thought I would pump yall up with an amazing picture of myself. Haha your welcome) 

visit

So we've been hitting the streets a lot and finding some cool people. Had a street display and a returned sister missionary sister came back from her mission and just popped up at our street display and started contacting everyone there. Like why not? So we were excited to see her there and she has been getting the ward excited about missionary work and our bishop is the man. Legit calls us up and asks how friend Paulo is doing and how he can help. I have never had a bishop like that here and this area is another vacation area. Finding is relatively easy. Just came up to a guy on the street and he asked us if we can baptize his family. So we asked who the candidates were and they were his two and three year old daughters... Haha we have an appointment with him coming up so we got a few things to explain. Gotta love Krefeld. This place is blowing up with miracles.

The ward is on fire. We have been sending out invitations to everyone to come to this culture evening and everyone is so pumped! They are all excited to represent their country here. They come from Canada, Poland, Austria, Germany, America (of course we're pumped!) England and so many more. Columbia and Brazil. (Paulo is the man!!!)

I just feel like this is the place where I am supposed to be. It's just fun going out for a few hours and get roasted a little bit, only to find people ready for the gospel. Just this last Sunday this old man pops up by church and we get to teach him today after pday. His ideas are interesting but he has got a good respect for the church of Jesus christ. I hope he progresses and I am excited what the gospel can do for him. 

The Church got broken into, but that didn't let the members down, instead my favorite member of the whole world here in Krefeld called Brüder Krahn (the guy who always gives us pump up speeches of missionary work and how we gotta baptize 210000 people so we can baptize him) had all his stuff stolen at the church. His computer and everything was stolen. But instead of being mad he just prayed for the guy and asked him to know what he did was wrong, but wished the thief the best in all. What a guy! He really shows the spirit of forgiveness. A lot of people judge the Germans for being unforgiving but he proves all of the accusers wrong haha. He's great.

Then the thief did come to church and check out the area and asked me if there was a library here. I lied and said everything was sadly stolen so we don't have anything more really of computers or valuable. He saw the fast offerings and asked where we pay our money and I said we send it directly to the headquarters of the church and he wasn't too thrilled about that. I caught him red handed as for some reason he was always checking in the room where the computers were stolen so he was pretty superstitious... Hope he doesn't come back with bad intentions... 

Had another great lesson with Paulo. He is getting a little sick so we got to give him a a blessing and that was super cool! Then taught him about the church and asked what he would think if he could speak to the prophet today and it just blew his mind. He loves the idea of a living prophet! President Nelson is the man. 

And for some reason people see me and like to give me money.... For some reason people feel bad for us and give us money. Maybe that's why people are scared of us. They mistake us for people searching money or when we contact at night we kinda look like hobos who beg for money. You'd think the name tag would do the trick but not so much. I think I have received 160€ on the mission... Thanks for the blessings? Give it back to the church? Haha.

Anyways lots of cool stuff here. Krefeld is the place! 

Much love 

Elder Monroe 

Streets of display 

birds of shoulder 

So I am back to my first district with my MTC companion. Enough said. It's been a good time. It feels like coming home. Sure enough I was sad losing Wiesbaden and everything there, such as Linh and my companion,but am ready to finish my mission here if I am needed. First day here the members had us over and explained ward activities with us and wanted our opinion and how we can be the most effective with missionaries. Thought it was really awesome how much they rely on the missions here. I love it.

The city reminds me also a little of Duisburg as we are right next to there and a member from Duisburg already found out that I was in Krefeld and demanded that I go in a split to Duisburg to meet him. His name is Piet Ahrens and he told me from my first time in Duisburg, if I was ever transferred to Krefeld or back in the district, he would demand an appointment with me and give me a Duisburg jersey with the team signatures on it. And he found out and already told the Duisburg elders and it looks like I'm going over to his house in a while. So pumped!

So it was hard saying goodbye. Didn't really even have the chance to say goodbye as it was conference and that was hard, but I got to say goodbye to Linh. Poor little guy just gave me the tightest hug he could and say

"we will see each other again, on the other side."

Goodbyes are always my hardest thing on the mission. Leaving home was no problem for me, but areas just stab you in the gut. It's total trash haha. 

Mike also had us over for pizza and we said our Goodbyes. 

Other than that, life goes on and have had the time to reflect on the mission. As I was riding to Krefeld they made me walk through the Frankfurt airport and had nasty nostalgia of first getting here and just remembered my first impressions coming to Germany, and then drove through Köln and saw areas where I contacted as I rode through. It was an emotional experience haha. Now I get to see Duisburg and my apartment and I have gotten to see the growth that I have made as a person. I think this ride and area was needed to help me look back and be proud of what I have been able to see here. I still have five months or so, so I get to make the most of it and make new experiences. I am ready for it and excited for the work. 

This old man I met along time ago called Bruder Krahn was waiting at the church. He is this old man there who works there for ten hours... But Isn't baptized haha. His wife won't let him be baptized so he doesn't wish to dishonor her and said he will just have to wait till she dies or someone can do his work for him. He is always so happy and tells us missionaries that we still need to baptize 240000 people here in Krefeld and gave us a huge pump up speech. His vision for Krefeld is lots of temples and says we have work to do. I love his enthusiasm haha.

"Where do you contact people?.... EVERYWHERE! THE SHOPS! THE TRAINS! THE STREETS! EVERYWHERE!"

So it looks like we have lots of work here too. He also has a poster that says. 

When someone has won, that means he was prepared 

When someone has one very well, that means he was very prepared

When someone has lost, he hasn't prepared. 

And then he looks at us and throws his fingers in the air. 

"A person must always be prepared!"

So that's what we get to look forward to everytime we are at the church haha! I freaking love it. This is my third time in the Duesseldorf zone and it's my favorite zone so no complaining. 

Anyways I am sure this is long enough. I love you guys and here is the address. 

Krefeld 

Thywissenstr. 80

47805

Elder Monroe 

Billy Johnson

Once again we were shocked with some crazy experiences. One meeting a man called Billy Johnson.

Me and this elder were on a quick split finding activity where we were just talking about the week. I saw a man about to cross the road so I ran to stop him before he crossed. He spoke perfect German and I asked where he was friend. He was from America and had no accent. I asked him if he believed in a life after death. 

He replied. 

I certainly do. Let's sit down and talk. 

He brought us to a Cafe outside and asked if we wanted coffee. We said no we don't drink and come to find out he doesn't either. He just smiled and looked at us, saying he has known us Mormons for a very long time. He was grateful for the examples we were for the church, even though this man was no member or at least so he said. 

He then told us he was once the General of Aviation for the airforce. He was a little older and told us about the Book of Mormon, how that book is the only thing that has held the united States together, and how he was grateful that the church is here. 

His face then changed and began to explain how we were preordained to be missionaries at this time. How God knew us and knew we were supposed to be here. 

He then told us to listen to the holy ghost and he will tell us who to talk to and how. 

Then crazy stuff happened. He quoted Helalman 5:12. No joke. He was sent there for me at the right time because I was going through a hard week and felt really down on myself. (I believe this guy was Mormon but who knows haha).

Then he told us it was time for him to go. I quickly asked him if he has read the book of Mormon and he smiled and said yes. So I invited him to church and said this is the only thing I can give you, is an invitation to church. He took it and pulled out of his wallet 100€  (a bit more than a $100) and told us to get dinner. Walked away and gave us a friendly wink. I will never forget him.

Other than that all is well. We went to go by on a less active called Javad. He is from Iran and he let us in. The friendliest guy ever haha. He brought us in and said. 

"I've been talking to my friend about the Mormon ways. He wants to learn more!"

Five minutes later this 17 year old Persian kid walks up the stairs with his father in a suit and his father tells us.

"It's time for my son to find a religion for himself. He must make his own decision".

Me and Elder Frost were just shocked so we taught about the Book of Mormon and Jesus Christ and how we learn about Christ from the book. He took it and his father asked us how fast can someone be a member of your church? 

So he is going to church for General conference this Sunday. Perfect introduction for the church. 

I couldn't explain a better week as this one. So much more has happened this week and to me, it was great. The amount of experiences I've had on the mission truly opens my eyes to the fact that God is real. I will never forget Billy Johnson and how he has changed my mission. I hope one day he will find that out. 

I love you guys. 

Elder Monroe 

Blessing of the people

Man we have been blessed left and right. It's been amazing. We had a great zone conference in which we talked about finding through members and stuff as well as teaching once a day. Truly wanted to do that and a member at church the other day asked me how the work was going. I replied it was a little rough and we really wanted to work with the members and asked how we could gain their trust and actually have appointments, but right as I said that five families of Germans asked us to have a dinner appointment with them and this family wants us there once a week. Talk about awesomeness. The guy I was talking to me just looked at me and kinda laughed.

Huh, well there you go! 

So that was great and had some lessons with the members. One we've been focusing on is our friend from Vietnam and had a bomb lesson with sister Laurido from Columbia. She made way amazing taco things and carnitas. I was in heaven and such. Then we taught the lesson and it was something I will never forget. We showed the video of hope in Christ's light, and I felt the spirit a thousand times stronger than I've ever had. It just it me so hard and was one of the most significant moments I've ever had and just bore testimony. Linh was in tears and just said

The spirit is definitely here! I feel it so strong! Like never before. 

It was so awesome, and he is really thinking about baptism. He knows it's true. 

Our boy Parker we met from Michigan is an investigator from ours. His testimony of God is unfathomable. I don't understand it. His testimony is in my opinion stronger than mine. He knows God lives and thrives in every hardness in his life. He has been separated from his family and lives on the streets and can't get support from them. He is so humble and never asks food from us, just that we pray for him. He just says his life rocks and it can't be better because he has a testimony of christ. 

Than one day he called us and said he found a weird bump on his chest. 

Found out he got cancer and can't pay for it. He looked at me and said I guess my time for this world is over, but that's okay. I know this happened from bad decisions I've made in the past, but I'm okay with it. I'm a child of God. And he loves me and I'm ready to go home. 

Those words struck me with power and we gave him a blessing right there. I told him in the prayer that according to his faith miracles can happen but always understand that what God puts in motion is according to his plan. Big brother hug and left. 

Showing family history to our friends. Mike is now obsessed with it and has been digging up his files and finding information about his dad. He loves his dad as he died last year. Something weird is right after his father died is when he had a dream of the salt lake temple. Then he called the missionaries and they were right there. Now he wants to be baptized for his father. We just got to get him ready for his temple recommend. 

So those are only a few blessings we've seen. Much has changed and we are about to hit a new transfer. Things are looking up. 

Much love 

Elder Monroe 

Also went on a split with a priest. Good kid

"I have fought the good fight" And I will continue to do so.

So I'm just going to continue using this email because it has everyone on it. Hey you guys are great!

So a lot happened this week. We had a Street display, taught lots of lessons, did lots of finding, and in all it was a pretty easy week! Went on a split with a priest who can run a 4:40 minute mile, and had a good time. He was a pretty cool guy.

So those are legit the highlights of the week. We've found new investigators but if they make progress I'll let you guys know! Haha. 

The weather here is starting to finally cool down and it feels pretty nice. It used to be really hot as I'm sure you've heard but at the moment the weather is slowly turning to fall. Crazy how fast time flies.

Met up with Mike again to see how he is doing. He also seems to be doing well. 

Elder Frost and I are doing well! We've been studying up preach my gospel together pretty well and becoming the best teachers we can be. This man is killing it!

I've been grinding through the challenge Russel M Nelson gave about the Savior Jesus Christ... Reading every single scripture in regards to Jesus christ in the topical guide. It's been a chore but I've been finding way cool scriptures in it to share with the people we are teaching and teaching with more power and meaning. Also the teachings of Paul is an awesome motivater for anyone thinking about missionary work. There will be days where we are screamed at, spat upon and so forth, but as Paul says

"I have fought the good fight"

And I will continue to do so. 

Scriptures are true, church is true, life is awesome, and I love it. 

Love you guys too! 

Elder Monroe

1We taught a lesson here to our boy God's Time

2 Had a good time in Koblenz 

3. Our ward mission leader likes to come to our street displays. This guy is nuts but I love the guy. 

 Cur

Justin Riley Monroe

So I'm currently training a guy called Elder Frost! He is from Texas, super awesome, 6.8 and you guessed it, plays basketball. He's pretty chill and we get along way good. He's got good goals and I think I will find lots of support from him and I hope I can do my best for him. We've already had an exciting first day for him. We get right back after the training conference and we get a phone call from a sister who needed a blessing. We head on our way and I teach him how to do a blessing in German. Realized I had no oil on me as I used the last of it in Köln, so we had a problem. Quickly rushed our way to a store, but the appropriate oil and bought a small container, and headed there. First day got to do a blessing so that was cool.

Also had a lesson his first day. Jessica called us and said we could meet today. So we went our way over there and taught her about hope. Apparently she is getting her kids back because the government sees the problem with her husband. But the husband is very angry and tries to sneak into her house. She lives on the second floor and tried to break in through the window so now Jessica literally has protection from her husband. Insane. 

We taught her about the book of Mormon and what it's about. We then later that night dropped a book of Mormon with a note in there from us. We shared about 3 Nephi 18 about the families, but also the importance of coming to church. She sent us a letter and said no one has ever written her a nice letter like that so I think we scored on that one.

Mike was baptized as you have probably seen. He is super happy and I am excited to teach him the last lessons. He will be a great member and he is already a hundred times happier as he was before. It is truly the coolest experience ever. Honestly something I can't express in words. 

It was sad to say goodbye to Elder Harman. Got one good last goodbye and he met the guy who was taking his place. That was an emotional experience haha. I'm gonna miss that guy. We got along really well.

Also got to say goodbye to Elder Ockey. He was one of my comps in Saarbrücken. He's going home as well. Way weird to see so many people I know go home... I'm going to miss them a bunch. 

So there you have it! Life is going well. I'm the new district leader here and training a guy as well. Let's see what's in store. 

Much love 

Elder Monroe

1 Goodbye to Elder Ockey

2 Elder Frost

3 Goodbye to Elder Harman

4 Baptism of Mike

Spending the night with President

This week. Man I have no idea honestly. So much happened. I guess it started really on Friday.

Friday we had lessons with two of our progressing baptismal dates who are so awesome btw. It's about 8 p.m so we decide to call it a night and make some dinner. We were cooking and having a good time so much as to put on my leather jacket with snow flakes pajamas, my 2 dollar aviators and a cooking pot on my head. We were having a jam singing session in the apartment as we cooking but then we got this phone call from sister white who also serves here in Wiesbaden. We answered the phone and we were still doing our rap like we were on fire. But sister White kinda killed the attitude haha but said.

Guys this is serious!

Found out the other sister was extremely sick so much as she was passing out. 

So we booked it out of our apartment and I was wearing the same get up except for the pot on my head and we ran all the way across the city. (5k) and I think I set my own PR.  We even ran through this massive German parade so I took my name tag off cause it didn't look the most appropriate at the time.... and I guess my style was in fashion. I had four people call me out saying I was a legend and one asked for my WhatsApp. (Texting contact service whatever it is) but we were running as hard as we could and I was sweating buckets in my outfit. 

Get there and find the sister passed out on the floor. Gave her a quick blessing and members were already on their way. Elder Harmon my man lifted her down seven flights of stairs as fast as he could. It looked quite majestic I wished I took pictures...Haha. 

Launched her in the car with the American members and sped the way there and find out the hospital is closed.... like really? 

We drive around the side and see some ER'S smoking at a no smoking zone so that was great but we were desperate so I ran up ahead and told him we had a girl unconscious and Elder Harmon just ran her in, more like forced her in. So they put her on a stretch in the hall and put some IV's in her and then we get a call from President Boyer asking us the situation. We found out her American health insurance didn't really work so we had to spend a lot of money to have her spend the night at the hospital and members were about to pay (bless their hearts) but we obviously didn't want that. President Boyer said he was on his way and arrived in Wiesbaden at around midnight or so. Just then the other sister got extremely sick and ran to the bathroom and that was bad. It was almost as bad as the other ones and here is where it gets crazy. 

We asked to get her admitted but they won't because she wasn't registered in the city correctly even though she was. In every city you have to do a thing called "Anmeldung " which is us logging into the city. Apparently they were supposed to put a sticker on it which I have never gotten before. So they wouldn't let her in to get cared but they knew the situation with the poor sister. So the American members got pretty furious at the hospital and it was a great time. 

So President Boyer and us just hung out in his car and drove around with him picking up food and supplies for the sisters. That lasted about 2 hours, but then we realized Elder Harmon left his wallet at the hospital so we go all the way back only to find out the sister is still chilling in the hall even though we paid lots of money for her in a room. They didn't even do nothing for her for the 4 hours she was there. So we really made a scene and they kinda got riled up enough to do something. I don't think we were their favorite people haha but we got what we wanted. 

President drove us home at around 3 in the morning and the other sister who wasn't admitted was cared by an awesome member at their apartment and we crashed, only to wake up the next day at 6:45 to see how the other sister was doing and we hung out there for a few hours and we finally got them both to their apartments. 

Fell asleep again and the next day....

I got it. Throwing up and all that jazz and then Elder Harmon got it and that's how the week went. 

Sorry about the email last week I thought it sent but found out like none of them sent. Problems.

Totally recovered and up for a new week.

Members are so awesome and we got lots of service to do as well as appointments everywhere.

Elder Monroe

1. My outfit for the emergency

2. Cookies from American members

3. Garden work (Elder Harmon gave me a haircut lol. We were low on funds.)

Like What?

Hey yall so I've been transferred again to the freaking awesome city of Wiesbaden. And I'm just gonna tell you all, this place is awesome.

First off we live in the basement of a manor, and it's freaking huge, relatively cool, massive bathroom, literally looks like a legit house. Like this place is where dreams are made yall. And I'm comps with this guy called Elder Harmon. The man is the dream companion. Way cool and super easy to get along with. We just crack jokes and do missionary work in an area with... 

AN AMERICAN WARD! 

Let's go! And we got an American base with taco bell. Dreams come true yall. Like we freaking got Krispy Kremes.

Today for pday we went to Burg Eltz again. Good time but this time without bikes, and we hiked the whole way up and checked it out.... And Mormons were everywhere. It was great. Me and elder Harmon got some way good pictures together and it was a good time.

But you know time is always limited on Pday and we were doing all we could do to make it back to our train and it was a five kilometers from where we were. And we were already 30 minutes later than we wanted to leave to depart. We were in the souvenir shop and just realized the rest of the district just left without us and we were in a bad situation, so we booked it the entire way but realized we went the wrong path, so instead of our trains stop we ran the entire way to another train station in the wrong direction and I was dying. But we didn't give up the whole time. And quite literally right as we saw the train station we saw our train pulling up and we sprinted to the finish. Just like cross country days but had a bit more of a quick and boost cause we needed that train. We get to the station and saw there was no way to our platform but one.... We were so desperate because we ran the entire way as hard as we could to catch this train and we both looked at each other and thought

Forget it we need it. 

So we did the most retarded thing possible and ran across the tracks and got the train and met the other missionaries at the other train station. But we did it. But then we didn't have water and that was another problem. So we get to this train station where we transferred positions or trains but we had fifteen minutes. So we doored this village looking for water and one man bless his heart gave us a six pack of carbonated water. We didn't care we chugged those things down and thanked the man for his generosity. One of the three Nephites yall haha. Finally on our way back right now.

Anyways I left Köln in good condition. Me and elder hunter did some work there and left a couple people in good condition. Cassandra will be one day baptized and she reads everyday. She is currently in Mosiah I think but the one that really got me was our boy Gero. The man that investigated the church in 2001. He is the guy I found in an ancient area book who saw the missionaries and three days later I just randomly called him and asked to meet. He was surprised and we continued meeting and before he was baptized (cause I kinda grilled the guy our first lesson and gave hard testimony) he really felt the spirit and is currently in Alma. He loves it and we read it with and before I left he personally thanked me. The man just stood there and said thanks, that if I never made that call he wouldn't be in this condition. It really got me and he said he will miss me and promised me that he would be baptized when he reads the book and gets the confirmation that it is 100% true. Honestly he already knows it true but he is really sensitive to the spirit and he will be baptized. Man is a legend.

So far so good. Honestly So much more to write about but I'll give yall a break. Love you all and I am truly one of the happiest guys right now. I've got an awesome district and perfect conditions. 

Much love

Elder Monroe

Elder Harmon is top left and they are all great. 

Breaking records

Yea so I broke a personal record of mine. This week we made a goal of breaking some records we got. So we worked all day everyday at the university and we got a whopping 15 new investigators! Sunday we were at 12 and we wanted to beat 14 so we booked it and I saw three guys on a bench, taught them the first lesson and introduced the book to them and they were down! Set up another appointment with them. Ended the day with 3 more. #Recordbreaker

Cassandra is awesome as always as she is still reading. She couldn't come this week sadly because of illness but she still does her best. 

Found an old guy actually whom we've already met a few times. His name is Jürgen Schmidt and has had a hard life it sounds like. His father once worked for the SS and was extremely abusive to him and his mother so he really needed a confidence booster, as he fights anxiety and tries to care for his mother who is currently on her deathbed. Insane. Next time we go by I think we will see if we can give her a blessing.

Met lots of Chinese students who were learning about God for the first time. Really cool actually and introduced them to what the Bible and the book of Mormon was. Let's just say they had the most simple but powerful questions. For example where is God, what is his relationship to us, and how do we feel his presence. Inspired questions and it's kinds fun. 

Another Chinese guy we are teaching is called David. He already read the Bible once but he told us it made absolutely no sense to him so he wanted a direction that would help him understand the core basics of the Bible, which honestly is the atonement of Jesus christ, Plan of Salvation, and our relationship with God and following the footsteps of the Savior to avoid sin, so we can live with God again. He seems to really like it as well.

Met another guy from Turkey, and the next day he was to fly to Istanbul. I met him in a park and talked a while about religion, and apparently he really likes Americans. I had a very good conversation with him about God and such and he liked it so much he wanted to meet the church in Istanbul. I guess there is a German branch there I found out which was cool as well as a Turkish branch, and you guessed it the Branch president is American. He was so excited to meet the missionaries there but sadly there are none there due to war. So we will see about skyping him and teaching him cause that would be cool. Haha. He also invited me to his house after my mission to go to Istanbul for a week so he could show me the city and his family and he would buy me food. I almost accepted but you know, stuff. I love that guy.

It's been a good week and we get transfer phone calls this week. Who knows. Probably got another one here. 

Love yall

Elder Monroe

This old lady we blessed gave us gave me a blessing in return. The old original John Taylor translation of the book of Mormon. 

And the district natürlich. 

The gift of tongues?

Well this week I think I have had the most insane experience on my mission. Like it was extremely unique.

So we were contacting around this river/neighborhood and I saw a man sitting on a bench and I just had the impression to pray before I spoke to the guy. I did so and right as I finished the man looked up at me and kinda waved. I did as well and just how he was and such in German... But this guy couldn't speak a lick of German or English. He spoke Spanish. And he started speaking in Spanish.

But here's the crazy part! 

I understood the guy and somehow spoke it back! Like this never happens!? I didn't think this was how it worked but the guy was astonished. He told me he lived in Spain for seventeen years or so and just moved to Germany. I told him we are missionaries of our church and we could help him out. He saw the badge and took a card but no number... Darn! Who knows what will happen with the guy in the future but that was really cool. 

But other than that we have been on our toes. We have been grinding in some solid finding and we have about 3-5 appointments a day with solid people but the one that really seems to be making progress is Cassandra! She went to church and loved it and the members were awesome and friended her. She then went home and texted us saying she likes it and asked about prayer. We told her we do it when we show thankfulness and concern. We also showed her a scripture about faith and that seemed to nail the casket shut. She loved it and says she no longer feels alone and feels good. Now we are just trying to get her baptized.

I could tell you about all the others but right now she is showing so much progress. Like I said we are quite busy everyday. Last week we got six investigators and this week we already almost have another six. IT'S ALL ABOUT THE FINDING! Haha and they actually come to appointments to! Like after the first lesson this man pulled out a cigarette and we asked him if he wanted to stop. He said yea!

So we told him to throw that cigarette on the ground. 

And he did! Haha and now he has been making so much progress with smoking as we follow up with him and we haven't even taught the commandments. Let's go! 

All is good here and I got the card mom. Haha won't lose it.

Much love yall. 

Elder Monroe

Pictures while finding and me chilling with Elder Golden. 

Yea yall, so this has been one of the most craziest as effective wise as well as I don't know wise. Like really I don't know. For example...

This week I... 

Have been proposed to. 

Asked on dates. 

Oh yea and of course I got to play for Elder Rasband! That was great! 

Anyways there is this crazy woman around here who found me and asked... 

"what comes after love?"

And I was like I have no idea. Hey do you know where KFC is? 

But then she just flipped out and asked me to marry her and stuff so Elder Golden pulled a quick one and just gave her their card and said phone number and booked it. Haha worst idea ever, because now she calls them like five times a day and asks them for "Monroe" and starts speaking French as to where I am. They blocked her of course but it keeps showing records that she keeps calling. Haha! I'm invincible.️

And then one day we were contacting near our apartment and the rain was insane. Like so hard the first five minutes my umbrella exploded and was placed in the trash. The was depressing. She and I went through lots together. :/

But like anyways I was still contacting people and I contacted a girl who actually looked pretty cool! Then I noticed she was sobbing and kinda asked if she needed help. (Elder Hunter was nearby contacting someone else.) she just stood there and honestly just started sobbing even more, so I like tried to help her and asked for the problem. She didn't want to say so I gave her my card with my phone number and said if you need to talk let me know. 

Well two hours later or so she starts texting me. First she apologized about the situation and then we talked to see how we could help. Then she told me how nice I was and how handsome I was and wanted to go out and I was like shoot. So I explained as a missionary I can't really go on dates... So she asked if we could be best friends... So I explained what we do more as missionaries and such and how we don't go the movies for a while and stuff like that until we go home. She didn't understand but was still down for the lessons. Cool. 

Next day was the appointment with her and I was looking for her and thought I saw her. So I smiled and waved... Apparently it was someone different and she smiled and waved back too! Well turns out this lady lived with Mormons for a year in Utah and she loved them so much. She is from Iceland and wants to see the Mormons here and have the lessons. We will see but that kind of blew my mind. Haha

Then we found the real person. Her name is Alva and we had a good lesson. She listened and had great questions. She is currently a progressing investigator and keeps commitments. 

And for the Elder Rasband conference... Well let's just say it was awesome! So much power behind his words. The idea of where our works on the mission, how perhaps we may not see much in the future but the missionaries in the future will benefit from our works, and how much of an effect we have had on the work. We find lots of investigators, but not too many are baptized, so he gave a little pump up speech. 

He also stated that we change our attitude and how effective we are with our testimony of Jesus christ and who he is, and this atmosphere leads to a loving and obedient mission. We are already quite obedient, but now it's time to clean the places where we can do better. True love comes from christ, and when we develop that we can grow a relationship with our investigators and members like no other. 

Oh and then we had stake conference and I met EVERYONE from Duisburg. I missed them so hard. Man and Ali (the guy me and Elder Burch searched a suit and tie and all that jazz for so he could go to church) was there! He goes to church every week, every activity, and is very involved. He just needs to be baptized! For some reason he is too scared to be baptized but also wants to serve a mission as an Arabic speaking missionary and boy, we need them! Man I miss that place. I even got to meet the crazy awesome old guy Bruder Suhl, the guy we would hang out with every Friday and read the scriptures with. 

Everyday now seems to be booked, as we have four appointments a day. These are our normal schedules. So far it's been good and life goes on. 

Much Love

Elder Monroe

Clock is ticking

Hey yall so transfer 10 came by and I got a new guy. His name is Elder Hunter and yea! We will see what happens.

Otherwise we had many lessons today. People who are ready it seems, for example our great pal Cassandra is meeting us still and trying to come to church, except the problem is this Sunday is stake conference so that's a bit of a problem as it is in Düsseldorf. Looks like we have to wait till next week. She cracks me up and she is interested. Let's go. 

Another one is Gero! Who might actually come to the conference with Elder Rasband! Like I didn't even say "hey come along." but just that we couldn't set up an appointment on Saturday morning as we had an important meeting with an apostle of God. Apparently that piqued his interest and he really wants to go. I can't say no. 

Oh yea and I just sent Elder Stark home. That guy has been extended twice. Don't even know how that is possible but it is. It was fun serving with the guy and "may the force be with him." haha

And I guess another thing yall might enjoy is when Elder Stark and I were trying to get on a street train near our house this man was  driving by and his trunk randomly opened, and cartons of beer just launched everywhere. Like all over the cars and everything behind it. Everyone on the train just started laughing way hard, but what was really funny is that there was already a guy there in his Machine cleaning the streets and all he did was simply turn around and just wash the street, nothing happened. Everyone got back in their cars and it was back to normal. I guess this happens a lot here because most the time I am on train, people just bring beer on the train and then they either throw it somewhere or just drop it and then the train smells like beer the rest of the day. Like I have become way acquainted with the smell of Alcohol and Marijuana. Haha. I don't know if that is a good thing or not.

Had another cool experience on the train. Someone once again spilled his beer all over the train and people came to my seat for safe haven and such. Then these other kids came around my seat and asked me. 

"Woah! Are you a priest!"

(My companion was on the other side of the train talking to someone.)

And I was like yea! In a way. More of a missionary. 

And they thought it was so cool. And then as they asked these questions, other people listened and started asking questions. Like I had an audience of 8 people. And as they left I gave them cards because sadly I had no time to get their info and they nodded, smiled, and went forward. Coolest thing ever. Maybe we should bring ten year olds with us or something.

Other than that that was really all that was remarkable this week. Let the good times roll. 

Love yall

Elder Monroe 

I think I'm gonna die

Well yours truly is playing a piano piece for Elder Rasband the Saturday after this one. Elder Ritchie will be singing as I play and my brain hurts right now so send prayers my way. My pride is going to need it here pretty soon. Just gonna say. Haha!

All is good up here in Paradise! We had this huge ward meal festival thing from "around the world". As almost all of our members are from somewhere across the world, everyone brought food from their country including Madagascar, Albania, Turkey, everywhere. Our bishop though came wearing his wedding ceremonial clothes from Eritrea(his wife is Eritrean) and that was quite interesting! I'll just say that, especially his dance moves haha!

We had a lesson with one of our new investigators Cassandra and she is making progress. She is so cool and ready for the gospel. She was previously Buddhist, so previously she wouldn't kill anything, which meant flies as well. And then the flies went crazy in her house and she decided it was either her or the flies, so she sent an email to the Australian group of Buddhists... They replied with a blank email so she burned them all. Haha! She still wants to be religious but doesn't know which way so we are there for her. She wants to come to church!

Than this random Chinese girl I met on the train was just staring at me for a while on the train, so I was like "hey whats up?". Apparently she lives in my building and we told her to come to church and stuff and she was like

"Why not?" That's exactly what I thought too! Haha. She is really cool and her name is Yui. And we have a teaching appointment as well with her at this bread shop in our apartment building so it's really easy to say hi. Cool stuff.

Right now at the moment we are on our way to Leverkusen but bad news... I lost my wallet lol. It must have fallen out of my pocket on the bus but no worries I know exactly what bus it was as well as when I was on it so we should find it very soon, and we were the only ones on the bus so that should relieve a couple more concerns. Prayers everyone. 

We are also on our way on a higher note, to see some dope monkeys! Apparently there is this park here where people and monkeys get to hang out with another and chill. So far this week has been very eventful and insane is what I can definitely say. 

Oh yea and one of my investigators started writing me from Saarbrücken. His name is Daniel from Egypt and he was that one guy I was talking about a long time ago. Apparently he has interest on the church again and asked me when church starts because he wanted to check it out. So that was pretty cool! Then he asked me if I need help financially and stuff, but yea I don't need money haha. Hope he went to church... Don't know yet. 

Other than that it is a real good week.

Love yall and hope it's good. 

Elder Monroe

1. Us at Cologner dome

2. Goat pal

3. I miss my bird! 

4. This epic ride where I lost my hat and someone had to ride it again and save it