Woche 102: Meine letzte Woche...

Meine letzte Woche...

Oh my goodness. I cannot believe that this is my last week!!! The time has gone by so fast!!! Insane, absolutely insane! Well, here was my week.

Montag

Monday, we cleaned, shopped, emailed, and then ate. Then we did some Area Book work. AKA, called people who have interest in the Gospel.

Dienstag

Tuesday, we had a lesson at the church with "F" and "A". Well, Francis was our joint-teach. We watched "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration." It was awesome. We talked a little bit more about the Restoration and invited "A" to continue reading in the Book of Mormon and to pray about it. He said he would! Wooh hoo.Then we headed on over to Velden am Wörthersee. We wanted to visit "C", but she was busy working, so we couldn't.

Mittwoch

Wednesday, we had District Meeting with the Christensens. It was awesome. They spoke about using the scriptures. So, pretty much tips on making study more effective. They also made a fantastic rice, chicken, noddle, pasta, macaroni salad thing. It was super good! After, we waited to have a lesson with someone, but he never showed up! Well, we were able to meet with "M", "C's" son. He is super cool. Like 15ish. Well, we gave him a Book of Mormon and told him all about it. He saw the Mormons on South Park and decided to look us up, so he knew a little bit about the church, haha. But he also wanted one for his teacher! And then we went by on some Frau "Z". Well, she was there! Her husband and two other guys were also there. She was getting ready to leave, so we thought we weren't going to be able to speak with her. Well, she actually was walking in the same direction as us! so we got to talk to her quite a bit! We talked faith in Christ, He being the rock, and also about the Plan of Salvation! It was awesome, and she was totally feeling the spirit. She opened up more with her faith, so that was awesome! It was such a great feeling, testifying of the Saviour! Nothing can compare!

Donnerstag

Well, Thursday was actually a holiday. Fronleichnam, or Corpus Christi in English. A Catholic holiday. So the trains and buses ran differently, and no one was out, or home. One of our lessons fell out, and so we went to St. Veit an der Glan. One of the people we went by on, was actually a Jehovah's Witness. They didn't have any interest, but were super nice and gave us water, because it has been hot. And they had an awesome collection of Bibles! Seriously, so many!!! Well, they were the only ones home... so we ate a Döner and went to Maria Saal. Well, we actually went to Ratzersdorf. Mostly no one was home. But, we did wave to quite a few people on the highway. When we got back to Klagenfurt, we missed our bus, and had to walk home. On our way, these two kids started fighting, and Elder Kaufusi got in between them. We had to call the police. It was crazy!

Freitag

Well, Elder Kaufusi finally got his Visa, haha, so that was good. We went to the church and did some studies. We were also supposed to have a lesson with someone but it fell out. So we went by on a couple of people, and then came back and did our fireside. Hopefully it went well.

Samstag

Saturday morning, we helped clean the church with the Christensen's and the Nielson's.  We then did some studies, cleared more stuff off of my iPad, and then we were supposed to have another lesson with "A". But that sadly fell through. So we ate lunch. Had goat cheese with a baguette, and some tortellini. Yummy. And then we went to the Police Station to be Witnesses. It was interesting. Well, all we did was meet with an officer and explain to him what we saw and heard. He told us that we were the most important people, since we weren't influenced or biased because of friendships or anything like that. He was also super extremely nice! Then we went to the Kaisers. We were supposed to do garden work, but things came up, and we came too late. Well, we did have some Mexican food. Her inspiration was Cafe Rio and Costa La Vido, so she did some dish. Well, never been to those two places, they are in Utah, but the meal was really good. We then had milkshakes.

Sonntag

Sunday, oh Sunday. Well, I gave my final testimony in Klagenfurt. That was sad. Ah, goodbyes still aren't easy... Well, "F" came. We got his membership record and got him all settled officially as a member here in Klagenfurt. So that was good. I also got to play in the Primary. Kids are so awesome! And I also played one last time for the choir. Man, I don't even know. Well, after church, we went to the Mauchs. They are great. Their son, Benjamin, cooked for us. It was awesome. some beef thing, sweet potatoes, green beans with bacon.  Lecker. Then we went by on "G". Well, he is still rock bottom. Man, it just makes me so sad. We talked about God, and how He loves everyone, no matter what! We talked about prayer, and how He yearns to hear from us! Man, I love the gospel! It brings so much light and happiness into my life! We got to share a little with Georg!

Well, I guess that was my week. I will be seeing y'all soon! Take care!

~Elder Albrecht~

Woche 101: Woche der Tausche!!!

Woche der Tausche!!!

Montag

Monday, we went to the highest mountain in all of Austria!!! Wooh!  It was insanely beautiful! We saw so many mountains! Green at the bottom and snow capped up top!!! It was crazy! We went to a little place called Heiligenblut! It has some church on a hillside and you can see Großglockner (the mountain) from it! And then we went to Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Hohe. It is the outlook right next to a glacier and on Großglockner! It was cold as well. Unfortunately, my head and eyes started hurting super bad when we got up there, so I couldn't look at it too long, especially since the sun was reflecting off the snow! But, it was still a fantastic experience! It was just an incredible sight! There is no way, that that just happened by accident. It was a huge testimony strengthener that there is an Almighty Creator of all this!

Dienstag

Tuesday, I woke up late, because of yesterday's accident thing with my head and eyes. So we missed our initial bus to Graz. So we called, and planned on the next one, two hours later. So, we got ready and headed to Bahnhof. We printed out our tickets, and then went to the bus. Well, we accidentally missed the other ticket printing out, and thought that we were both on the one. So, we had to get off the bus and go get it. Well, it wasn't there. So we had to buy one and then when we went to the bus, it was leaving! So, we ended up having to take the next one, again, two hours later. In the meantime, we went to the church to make cookies for Sister Kinghorn's birthday. Chocolate No-Bakes. Yummy. And two of the kids from our ward came and brought us homemade Bagels with peanut butter. Awesome! And then we finally made it to Graz and went to the church. We also brought the cookies, because we are nice people. We also played Chair Football, fun stuff. And then we had an exchange with the Bruck Elders! Elder Kopischke and I went to Klagenfurt. Well, we actually missed our bus, again! Don't know what was going on. But we eventually got home, got our ingredients from the church and brought them home and then went to the Krenn's. They gave us tea and some amazing cheesecake!!! And then they gave us some invitation to give to a nonmember girl in Villach. Her parents are less active. So that was great!

Mittwoch

Wednesday, we went by on a ton of people! Our friend that came to church, "G" totally dumped on us for at least a week! Man, that was sad. I eventually took Elder Kopischke to the Wörthersee, because it is beautiful! The water was so pretty with the mountains behind it. And then we went by on "MZ". We finally reached her! Well, when we got there, she had just gotten back from work. Literally, she was outside already! We had a great talk with her! We testified of the Savior and His power to help us become better! And then we exchanged back! When we were at Bahnhof, we saw some friend of ours, "A". Well, he can't speak German or English very well. And I think he had been drinking. But we were able to make a different appointment out with him. And then we were walking, and this guy stopped us from a bench and said that he knew Mormons. So we started talking to him about the Book of Mormon, and then this lady came, kind of weird, and this guy left! Well, she sat down and started telling us about how her husband has cancer. We asked her how she was dealing with it all, and she said not good... It was so sad! We were able to bear testimony of the Savior and how He lives. We told her that He was always there and knows exactly what she is going through! It was really an amazing and spiritual moment!!!

Donnerstag

Thursday we had our official exchange with the Zone Leaders from Salzburg. I worked with Elder Erickson. We went by on people and talked to people on the way. Had some super good conversations. Talked a lot about the Book of Mormon and why it is so important. We then came home at dinner, and then Elder Christensen came and picked us up. He took us to Villach so we could deliver that invitation. Well, the people stepped out of the church, but were super friendly. We still gave them the invite to the brunch. And then we had some extra time, so we went dooring. We actually ended up running into someone whose dad was a member. She remembered the missionaries coming over all the time! What a miracle! They were super nice! And then we headed over to Frau "M"'s place. We talked about  our class from Sunday. She said that next step was baptism for her. so we talked about baptism, read from Mosiah 18. We read about Baptism, what it is, what the covenant is. Then we extended the invitation of baptism to her as well. She said that she was totally willing and wanted to, She just has to work Sundays, and doesn't know to far in advance when she has off. So, we talked about faith, and how we can believe that the Lord will help us out here. It was an awesome lesson.

Freitag

The Zone Leaders left Friday morning. We did studies and ate lunch. We then caught a train to Villach. Well, no one wanted to meet, so we ended up going by on some people. They also weren't home. And then we headed home for Tischtennis at the church. Well, no one showed up again. But we were able to have GMK with Vasilli! It was awesome! He is great.

Samstag

Well, three appointments fell out on Saturday. And it took out quite a bit of time! But, we went by on some people around the church, and then went to the Casella's. It was great! They made some amazing pasta dish with zucchini and salmon! It was super yummy!

Sonntag

Sunday was awesome! We went to go pick up "F" with Br. Casella. Well, he brought two friends with! It was awesome! They are all from Nigeria. So a member actually translated Sacrament Meeting for them! And then we taught the Restoration for Sunday School! They accepted and reacted to it pretty well! We also had a potluck after. It was mostly soups and salads. But they were still super good.

~Elder Albrecht~

Woche 99: No love comes closer to the love of Christ, than the love of a mother.

Woche 99

Montag

Monday, we shopped, cleaned, and did emails. After, we went Downtown to go buy Elder Kaufusi some Lederhosen! Wooh! They found some that actually fit! We also continued our Almdudler addiction. We also went by on some Less Active for his birthday, but he wasn't home, so we left him a card with some Sweet Tarts! Then we went by on some other people, who might have interest in the church, who live in the area.

Dienstag

Tuesday morning, I woke up feeling completely awful! But, we were able to go do some license business for elder Kaufusi and go check to see if his Visa ever came in. It didn't. But then I pretty much slept the rest of the day.

Mittwoch

Wednesday morning, I slept in just a little because of the day before, but I felt much better. We went to the church to have District Meeting with the one Senior Couple and the Genealogy Couple. It was super good! Sister Christensen made lunch. Enchiladas, well, close to it. (The Mexican in me is coming out!) But it was super yummy, along with the macaroni salad! We talked business, and then shared what we learned from the scriptures this week! Main points were:

     -Jesus Christ is all over the place in the Old Testament!!!

     -The Atonement is something very real, and should be used often! Jesus didn't suffer and die for us, just so we could admire him, but never be cleansed and saved by it!

     -We have all of the power we need(given to us by God) to overcome Satan! Thoughts and all. It all lies on us to use it!

Such a good meeting! We then had the German tip. Pretty much was how to use time correctly. After, we went to Villach to have a lesson with some guy we met two weeks ago on the street. Well, when we were on the train, we called him and he said he was busy and couldn't meet. So we ended up on the streets. We talked to a Free Christian Prophet. He doesn't believe in belonging to one church and is out to stop us pretty much. So, that was an interesting conversation. We talked to some guy from South Korea as well. He knows the church already! So cool.We then  talked to two guys on a bench. One was from Kenya, and the other was from Villach(Austrian City). The one from Kenya also knows the Mormons, and already has a Book of Mormon, and he loves us! We got talking with them about the church and how it was founded. We talked about the Restoration and Joseph Smith. Some other Austrian also came to the bench, a friend of theirs, and started listening. He was really intrigued by us and our message. We gave him a Book of Mormon, and he was super grateful that we gave it to him. He said that he was going to read it, and that he wanted to meet with us! Wooh! The Kenyan guy also said that he wanted to come check out the church in Klagenfurt, double wooh!

Donnerstag

Well, in case you were wondering, Thursday was a holiday. Christihimmelfahrt, or Ascension Day. So, everything was closed, and not a lot of people were out. Anyway, we did studies, like normal, and then ate lunch. After that, we did area book work, so we organized a ton of information, because it is still chaos, and called a ton of people who have potential interest in the church. Well, a couple answered and said that we could meet, so hopefully we can get that set up. We then made flyers for our Tischtennis on Fridays. Then we went and posted some. Along the way, we went by on some people by Bahnhof who potentially have interest in the church. No luck at the door.

Freitag

Well, Elder Kaufusi didn't feel well, so he slept in. I went ahead and did some studies. After he woke up and got ready, we ate lunch together. Ramen!!! Haha, and then we did Weekly Planning. So, in other words, we planned for the next week. It was good. After, he didn't feel too hot again, so he went and rested. I called some people that we had planned for. No answers We then went to the church for our Tischtennis. Well, no one showed up, so it was just us and Br. Mauch. So, we did our GMK, talked about the area and the work, and then went and played, and then his son came and played with us. He is super nice and chill. And plays Football. American football, so that was cool. And then we went home!

Samstag

Saturday, during studies, we got a text from the Kaisers inviting us to do some yard work! Woohoo! So we finished studies, ate lunch, and went on over to their place. We helped cut down the broken branches from the weird snow a week and a half ago. And then we helped move some Compost and set up a new container thing. We then dug a narrow ditch, to put up that concrete wall thing for flower beds and stuff like that. Anyway, rain came our way, and we went inside and ate. We had such a random dinner!

     -Stuffed peppers with Feta cheese

     -Potato Salad, an Austrian one

     -Grilled fish

     -Cooked Pipi, an Australian mollusk thing

     -And sausages

     -Dessert: Banana stuffed with chocolate and baked, served with ice cream and whipped cream

So good!!! All of it!!! Oh, and apparently there is a machine here used for whipped cream, that doesn't exist anywhere else!

Sonntag

Sunday, was Mother's Day. So all of the talks were on Mothers, and the divine role of one. They used the examples of Ruth, Esther, Mary Fielding Smith, and the mothers of the two thousand Stripling Warriors. And a quote from Jeffrey R. Holland, which pretty much said that no love comes closer to the love of Christ, than the love of a mother. We then helped in Primary, since the women were all in Relief Society and Sunday School. It was so much fun! Little kids are crazy, but great!!! And then after church, I skyped! And it was awesome!  Then we went to the Kaisers again. Had Zwetschgenknödel, so good! Also had a fantastic salad and some Muttertagskuchen! Yummy.

~Elder Albrecht~

Woche 98: I lost track...what week is it?

Woche...

Week something. I don't remember.  I lost track a while back. Anyway, my week was pretty good. Started off our week with P-Day. Didn't do too much. We went by on some people in the evening. Found out that a lot of them don't live there anymore. SO that was good.

 

 Tuesday we went to Velden am Wörthersee. I haven't been there yet, so it was going to be an adventure. Well, the place is somewhat small, and was more touristy. We were walking, and actually started talking to some shop owner. Well, this lady, "C", on the bench called us over. We started talking about the church and God and Jesus. She is from Brasil and loves Jesus. We had a great conversation. And we also met her son, "M".  We spoke in English with him.Well, her husband/boss  took the son to school or somewhere, don't really know. And then he came back and told us to leave. He didn't want us there. Well, we went into the store, she was taking care of something real quick, to say bye and exchange numbers. Well he came in, and then screamed super loud at us! Man, it was kind of scary... So we left, got ice cream and went to Villach. Then we took another train to Annenheim! And then we walked to the Herbert's house. We had dinner with them and then we shared a small thought from Alma 34. 

 

Wednesday, it snowed... -__- Tuesday was beautiful and green. Wednesday was snowy. It snowed 4-6 inches. And get this, the snow was too heavy for the blossomed trees and leaves, so huge branches were all over the streets because they fell off. There was apparently a ton of traffic. Someone even had to go to the hospital because a branch fell on them, a big branch. But they are alright. We had a lesson with Br, Aschan.  Well, he talked, non stop, pretty much the whole time... we squeezed in our thoughts. 

 

Thursday, we went to Salzburg. You could see the snow decrease as we went. There was actually no snow at all in Salzburg, crazy!!! But we had interviews with Pres. Kohler. They went well. Talked a lot about preparing to go home... and then we came back. We actually decided to start an Almdudler addiction. No worries.

 

 Friday we had Weekly Planning and GMK with Br. Mauch. We sang and then discussed the work here. We ate at the Casella's that night, as well as Sunday night. It was great.The first time, his parents were there, so there was a lot of English, German, and Italian going on. I think I want to learn Italian.

 

 Saturday, we had a service project at Sis.Schaunig's place. We were gathering the broken branches and cutting them to be smaller. She made homemade pizza, and it was so good!!! Then we went to Mattias' baptism. He is one of the Casella kids.  It was amazing. I got to the play the piano. Such a sweet experience.

 

 And then Sunday. It was super great at church. I love this ward so much!!! They have so much to offer! And the during Sunday School, we taught the Restoration during the Gospel Principle class, and it was super good! We had a great discussion on families and prophets. And then after church, we went to the Suppersberger'S! They are awesome!!!

~Elder Albrecht~

Woche 97: All we need to do is start with the person that we see in the mirror.

Woche 97

Montag

Monday, we went to Salzburg a day early for Zone Training. We did emails, and then went to Festung Hohen Salzburg, which is an 11th Century Fortress. So that was super cool! You get a great view of the city! And it was sprinkling just slightly, so everything looked even greener! And then we had a sleepover with Salzburg Zone Leaders. Brixen was also there, so we had eight elders all together. 

Dienstag

The day of Zone Training! It was so good!!! We talked a lot about being better missionaries. What can we improve on and such. Being better teachers, and working with the members better. We also talked about being more confident!  In ourselves, the language and such! Man, it was such a good meeting.  And then we had a Zone Celebration afterwards. We had a grill party and played soccer, frisbee, and football. It was ton of fun.  And then we took the three hour train ride back. It is so beautiful.

Mittwoch

Wednesday morning, we had inspections. We passed. We did studies, and then we did a little bit of area book work. AKA, calling people that had interest in the church. And then we went out to go talk to people. We also went by on "G", the referral from last week. His roommate let us in. So we waited in the hall way, he shooed us, came and pushed us out, started mumbling, and then tried shoving the Book of Mormon back into our bags... All the while we literally did nothing... It was sad to see him do that. So then we went out and talked to some people.

Donnerstag

Thursday, we got Elder Kaufusi registered in the city, then went and applied for a visa. Then we went to the Police Station to start his license process. Then we went to Villach to have a lesson with "I". Well, we tried calling him, but he never answered. We found out later that his phone was having problems. Well, we just talked to people on the street. It was also super nice that day. We explored Villach and eventually came across a park. Elder Kaufusi asked if he could play basketball with this one guy. So, I sat on the bench for a little. And then some guy came up and sat next to me. We started talking, and he was actually a Jehovah's Witness. We had a fantastic conversation and eventually exchanged contact info. So crazy, how short of time friendship requires. After, I joined basketball, with a new guy and elder Kaufusi! It was loads of fun, and then ended and exchanged numbers. Then we got slushies and went home.

Freitag

Friday, we did some weekly planning. Then went to the church for the Gemeinde Putztag. It was great. Cleaned the church with the ward. Then we had dinner with the Casella family! They are an awesome family from Italy!!! They are so wonderful!!!

Samstag

Saturday, we had lunch with the Kaiser Family. They are so great!!! Their kids are great as well! So hyper, but awesome!!! We even played Settlers of Catan with them! Well, we didn't finish, it would take too long. But next time! And then we went by on some people and then ate at an awful Chinese buffet. Never again... -__- And then we went home.

Sonntag

Sunday was great!!! Loved it! We talked about being a Light to the World. We can be examples of Christ to the world, simply by the way we act! Nothing special!!! That's it, just acting Christlike. We don't need to have a parade, or be some outstanding volunteer, or some famous charity! All we need to do is start with the person that we see in the mirror. Acting kind and loving will go much farther than money will ever go!

~Elder Albrecht~

Woche 96: Woche der Versetzung

Woche der Versetzung

Montag

Monday, we went to get Elder Jensen deregistered from Austria. He has to leave Austria, which is sad because it is the best!!! But then we went to the church to meet Danny, a member. He gave Elder Jensen a painting, that he drew himself! It was beautiful! And then we did some emails and then went to Villach to eat with the Mauch family. They made some spinach soup with boiled eggs. Haha, I finally learned what this German saying means, because it made sense... "Mein Deutsch ist nicht das gelbe vom Ei" which translates to "My German isn't the yellow from the egg" AKA, my German isn't great... Haha, love it. And then we walked around Villach for a little, and then headed back to finish emails. When we went back home, found out that the freezer turned off. Cleaned that up, and then the Nielsens picked us up to go to the Christensens for dinner.

 Dienstag

We woke up early to catch a bus to Graz for district meeting. Well, we got there, and ate Subway, and then went to the church. We played a small game of chair soccer (finally understand what it is) while we waited for the Sisters. Then we had district meeting and stuff. It was good. Talked about working with the ward and stake better. Then we had to leave right away because our bus left pretty soon after that. So headed over to Bahnhof, and then took the bus back home. Well, it felt like it took forever... There was construction and all sorts of stuff. But we made it back. And we got home and Elder Jensen gathered all of his things. Elder Christensen picked us up so we could go to the church. We got there, and Elder Jensen saw "H" and "A" for the last time. They were great. It was kind of sad to see. But then we went to the Bahnhof and headed to Salzburg.  We ate McDonalds, and headed to the Zone Leader's apartment. Well, they weren't home yet, like we had planned, so we sat on their door listening to EFY in the dark.


 

Mittwoch

Transfer day.......... Ugh, I hate this day... Too many goodbyes, and they never get easier. I saw the missionaries leave to Germany, Switzerland, and Wien... Way too many goodbyes! And Elder Wilkins died! (Went home from his mission) Goodbyes never get easier!!! Haha, man... But I was there waiting with Elder Bowers, so that was a good reunion. And then we went finding for a little, tried some new approaches and they went pretty well. Then Elder Kaufusi got in and we went home a little later. We got on the train, and kept having to move, before the train even left... But we finally got settled, and I was sitting next to some lady. Well, I liked passed out because I was so exhausted. Like, seriously, I remember waking up way confused. I didn't even realize I fell asleep! Aha, and the train ride wasn't even like half way over! Man, it felt like eternity! But, I realized that the lady belonged to a group of people sitting around us, and they were all speaking way clear German. Seriously, Austrians don't speak clearly... I asked them where they were from, Brandenburg, Deutschland. Of course. It was nice on the ears, but Austrian dialect is still the best. But we got home, the Christensens picked us up and actually had dinner in our oven. Way nice. And then I went to bed early, because I literally couldn't stay awake.
 

Donnerstag

Well, I was still tired, more like exhausted. So, we shopped for the week, didn't have time Monday. And then we went to Villach. It was so pretty! Villach is a beautiful city. We went finding there and talked to lots of people. Had some good conversations, finally! Usually people are on bikes and stuff. So, it was way nice. Had a cool conversation with some guys from Holland. They love America. Then we came home. Elder Kaufusi is also a clean freak, so he has been cleaning and rearranging. Our apartment is looking way good. It was ok, but now it is great!
 

Freitag

Friday, we did Weekly Planning. So that was good. We have some good goals. And then we went to the police station to get Elder Kaufusi's driver's license started. Well they were closed, but the sign said something different, so we were confused. Some police guy came out and was giving us sass and asked us if we could even speak German. Haha, yes!  Then we went and contacted a referral. He was home and we got to talk to him a little. He originally wasn't interested with meeting us, he just wanted the Book of Mormon, which is also great. But we got talking with him, and explained what we do as missionaries. He gave us his number, and said we could call him!  Then went to the church for Ping pong, no one showed up. Then we went home.
 

Samstag

Saturday, we did some area book work. Pretty much organized stuff and called a ton of people who had interest, but no one followed up, or they just never answered their phone. So that was fun and exciting. And then we went out to talk to the people of Klagenfurt out on the streets. Well, Elder Kaufusi's allergies were getting pretty bad, and pharmacies aren't open after 12 on Saturdays... So, he was kind of in trouble. Sneezing, red eyes, and stuff. Well, we went down town, and there was one open, even though the sign said that it should've been closed! Miracle! Well, we went back home, because the trees and pollen and wind was just killing him. So we went back. But, the stuff helped a ton!

Sonntag

Sunday. Well, almost no one was there because they were in Brixen, Italien. So, I played the organ setting on the piano. It was nice. And Elder Kaufusi introduced himself. That was good. Oh, before the meeting started, Sis. Kaiser invited us over for lunch! Wooh, love their family. So, the meetings were all way good.  We talked about how God just sees Black and White, you know, yes and no, righteous and evil. And how the world, the adversary, makes a ton of grays. He puts all of this filling stuff. We gotta be the same, we obviously can't judge others, but we need to preach His gospel at least clearly and boldly. So, then we went to the Kaisers for lunch. Ah, they are so awesome! We helped make dessert and then we ate Goulasch.  Yummy! The kids had a ton of animal and dinosaur toys, so we were playing with them while dessert was being finished.  Awesome kids.  And we played Ligretto with them. Look that game up, it is awesome! Anyway, it was a good day!

Woche 95: Woche des Versetzungsanrufes

Woche des Versetzungsanrufes

Well, for those of you who are wondering, here are the transfer news:

For my final transfer, I will be staying in Klagenfurt. And Elder Kaufusi will be my new companion. He is coming from Landshut, Bayern. He was in Elder Jensen's MTC group, so Elder Jensen is good friends with him. I have heard good things about him, so I am way excited! And apparently, he is like 6'8". So super tall, and Polynesian. So I get to stay in beautiful Klagenfurt! And Elder Jensen is getting transferred to Offenburg, in the Schwarzwald. My birth place! He is working with Elder Wright. Fun stuff.

Montag

Monday morning, we got the chance to watch the final session of General Conference, like I said last week.  Afterwards, we did our emails and stuff. Then we ate a Dürüm! It is a Kebap Döner in a tortilla. So yummy and delicious. And then we bought some face wash and face lotion. Then we went out in the sun and just laid there. It was nice.  And then we went out and talked to people, or attempted to at least. It seemed like everyone and their dog were using a bike, or roller skates.  It has just been really warm and beautiful lately! Green, green, green!

Dienstag

Tuesday, we went out and talked to people again... Well, for whatever reason, no one was out, except for the city center, and half of them were selling or promoting something. Haha, nice. But we had a lesson with "H" and "A".

Two side notes:

1. We found out we have been saying "H"'s name wrong. Found that out from him. Literally have been saying his name wrong, and he just now told us.

2. So two Sundays ago, we had some potluck thing. "F", our Persian member, made some Persian food and told us to bring "H"and "A". So they came, and they brought a friend, "H" (that is how we found out how to actually say "H"'s real name) and he had on a Brigham Young University shirt on... Apparently he bought it in Iran... what a coincidence! We told them and they all loved it! BYU, Mormon, and stuff.

So, the lesson was good. We talked about General Conference and watching it in Farsi. So, we are going to get that set up! Wooh! And then we went out to Emmersdorf to contact a referral. Well, she wasn't home, and the buses were so out of whack that it took the rest of the evening.

Mittwoch

So Wednesday, we had District Meeting with the Christensens. It was pretty good. Since it was just them and us, we got to discuss a lot of things specific to our area, Klagenfurt. It was awesome! And we drank some Aloe Vera drink! It has chunks of Aloe Vera in it, and is super good! And then went off to the streets to talk to people! Afterwards, we had PFK. It was good. This is seriously the best ward ever! They are so concerned about others, and how they can help! It is great.

Donnerstag

Thursday, we had a lesson with someone we met from the week before Meet the Mormons (remember that?). So that was super exciting, because it has been quite some time. Well, we brought Elder Christensen with us. She had some friend there with her.  It was pretty awesome. We taught he Restoration. We talked about the Book of Mormon, we gave her one when we first met her, and the importance of it. We stressed the importance of finding out the truthfulness of this message for ourselves! I mean, why believe us teenagers when God will give us an answer if we ask?! And then we went out finding and ate ice cream! Wooh! And then the Christensens picked us up to go to Villach. We met with "M".  She definitely wants to come to church! That is something good!

Freitag

Well, after calling the referral from Tuesday, we decided to go try contacting her at home again. So we went out there, and she wasn't home. So we left a note with a card. And then our lesson with "H" and "A" fell through, so went on to the streets to talk to people. Friday, was also a little chilly with some rain. And then we had Tischtennis at the church with Br. Mauch and Nicolas. It was so much fun!!! We played "Around The World." Haha, I lost every time! Oh well. Then we had GMK with Br. Mauch and Vasilli. It was great!

Samstag

Saturday morning, we got "The Calls." That was pretty exciting to hear that I will be staying in this amazing area for my last transfer. It is pretty great! We did our studies and everything like that. Elder Jensen started packing, because we have no time this week. Plus, Transfer day is Wednesday now and we have to leave on Tuesday because of how far we are away. But then we had a fireside at the Mauchs. Sis. Roth gave it, and it was on Water, and Arks. Very interesting stuff. So, apparently the root word for Ark in Hebrew, means Time or can be compared to the World. And The root word for Water in Hebrew is The Word, which is of course Jesus Christ. We read a ton of different stories where a covenant was made (including some type of ark or basket) and they were taken out of the water (world). So cool!!!

Sonntag

Sunday started off good. Elder Jensen found a tick, his first tick in his life... Haha, I haven't seen one of those things for almost 2 years... But, Sis. Mauch got it all good. Anyway, church was super good. This ward is pretty much the best! In Priesthood, the last hour, we spoke about the project that was given directly to the women of the church, "I was once a stranger" or whatever it is in English... We pretty much decided that it was because women have a greater depth of feelings (empathy and such) than men do, generally speaking. Anyway, we had choir practice after church. It was great! We are singing a Kärntnerisches Song: Christus hab i so gearn. It is awesome! Love it!  Then we went to the Kaisers for dinner. We played a short game of risk with the kids and then we ate! Spätzle, potatoes, and some meat. It was good. We also had a super good chocolate cake! Oh, it was delicious! Well, it was an awesome day, and Mia(their daughter, the youngest) is the cutest thing ever!

Well, the church is true! So is the Book of Mormon! We just need to read it, and ask God if it is true! He will answer us always, because He is our Heavenly Father and is always there, we just might not realize it! Well, have a great week!

Servus, Pfiat eu!

LG

Elder Albrecht

Woche 94: Woche der General Konferenz

Woche der General Konferenz

Montag (Ostermontag)

Monday was Easter Monday. So nothing was open. Not even the grocery store. So we started off by doing emails, or attempting to. And then we went over to the Kaiser's. His sister and her family were also there! Well, we ate more ham and salami and eggs with horseradish. We also played that game, "Der Große Dalmuti" again. It was fun. Even ate a fruit roll up, nerds, and marshmallows!!!  Haha, Sis Kaiser went to America over New Years and brought American candy back. She has it in a special box in her pantry.  It's funny and awesome!!!.  We then returned to finish our emails.

Dienstag

Tuesday, we went to Graz for our District Meeting. We left at 9.20 this time instead of 7.20. The Kinghorns brought a ton of snacky food.  So, district Meeting went very well.

Mittwoch

Wednesday was good. We walked around and talked to people. We had last minute lesson with Christian as well in the evening. He is super cool(: Elder Donald and I first met him two weeks ago. We talked about the church, and what we do as missionaries. He said he would love to learn more and is interested in learning more! Wooh!!!

Donnerstag

Thursday, we had a lesson with "A" and "H" at the church. We told them about General Conference. What it is, what time, and where.  We will watch it this week, since we didn't know Persian was apparently live, or something like that. We walked around after that. My knee hurt a tad bit, so we took it slowly.

Freitag

Friday, we did our studies, planned for the coming week, and then went to the church to have GMK with Br. Mauch. We sang a song accepella. It was fun. We then did pushups together, because we just wanted to.  And then we had our meeting and it was pretty good. Set up a ride for H" and "A" to come on Sunday for some lunch thingy.

Samstag

Saturday was beautiful. The sun was shining, plants are turning green again, and people were out. But everyone was on a bike, rollerskating, skate board or running! It was crazy! So many people weren't just walking! But, we were able to have a couple of conversations.

General Konferenz

Saturday Morning Session, watched Saturday evening.

Saturday Afternoon Session, watched Sunday afternoon.

Priesthood Session, watched Sunday morning.

Sunday Morning Session, watched Sunday evening.

Sunday Afternoon Session, watched Monday morning.

Well, the sessions were absolutely fantastic!!! I learned so much!!! It is amazing to have the opportunity to listen to God's chosen servants! Prophets and Apostles of God!!! How amazing! It is so comforting to know that God does live, He does communicate with us, and He never changes!!! 

~Elder Albrecht~

Woche 93: Woche des verletzen Knies

Woche des verletzen Knies

Montag

Monday, we shopped, and emailed. We also ran to the beach, and sat in the sun for a little! It was really nice out! And then we ran back home. We went and tried to go by on a potential, but we eventually found out the bus didn't stop at our specific stop at that time of day. So we did a little bit of dooring.

Dienstag

Sorry that you have to read this mom...

So I woke up, not being able to walk... My knee just hurt so bad!!! It was crazy insane. So, we called Sis. Kohler. And then we talked to the nurse. Elder Christensen brought over a wheelchair. And then Elder Jensen called some members to find some crutches. And then, we went to the hospital! To meet with an investigator. (The nurse told me to ice it, take some ibuprofen, and to not walk on it.) So I was in a wheelchair. Let me tell you, never again!!! It was so weird. Anyway, we met with "J". He survived! He survived some of the most intense Chemo that exists. Actually, probably the most intense! So he is doing a lot better, and has no pain!!! Wooh!!! And he is praying now! He says that it brings him a lot peace! So that was fantastic! And then we went home! And I had to ice my knee and do nothing! Yay... -__- But, Br. and Sis. Kaiser brought over a knee brace, and some sport gel thing stuff. And candy! They are awesome!

Mittwoch

Did pretty much nothing... but, no more wheel chair! Well, we did go to the church to see if we could meet with Alireza and Hamid. Weel, they didn't come...): But randomly, a woman walked into the church! Haha, she asked us where the candles were, so she could burn one. Well, we told her that this wasn't the catholic church. But, we started talking to her about this church. She read the Articles of Faith, and really loved some of them! And we got to explain a couple of things to her. It was super cool. she then took a Book of Mormon with her to read! And Br. and Sis. Kaiser brought over dinner! Funeral potatoes, pork wrapped in bacon, and a salad! It was awesome!

Donnerstag (Gründonnerstag)

We went to the Suppersberger/Trippel family for my birthday.  We had tacos. Yummy. And she also made the largest cake I have ever seen!!! It was crazy huge!!! And it tasted fantastic!!!

Freitag (Karrfreitag)

Friday, Br. Mauch took us with him to visit two less actives with birthdays! Man, it was so nice to be outside again! And he bought me some weirdo medicine that tastes like mints. But, it helps! And then the Christensens took us out to eat to a Chinese place! I had Duck Volcano! Haha, they brought it out on fire! It was cool.

Samstag (Karrsamstag)

Saturday, we went to the Kaisers. We had Eggs, with a lot of horseradish, eggs with not as much horseradish, pork, salami, bread, sweet bread. It was great. And we played a game called, "Der große Dalmuti." It was fun. Similar to Scum. And we even got to search for an Easter basket. They are seriously the best! Well, afterwards, found out everything was closed, so we had to come home.

Sonntag (Ostersonntag)

Sunday was good. I played the piano for Sacrament Meeting, Priesthood, and for Choir.  So that was awesome and nice!!! And Easter was awesome! It is such a great time!

So, I am walking now, and my knee doesn't hurt at all!!! So don't worry!!!

~Elder Albrecht~

Woche 92: Woche des Austausches

Woche des Austausches
 

Montag

P-Day... Normal stuff yo...

Dienstag

Tuesday, we woke up at 5 so we could do morning sport and then take a bus at 7.20 to Graz. So, that was fun.  We went to McDonald's for breakfast. Yummy.  And then we headed for the church. We got there and had district meeting. It was pretty good. Talked about the Book of Mormon and extending invitations. We need to be clear, simple and bold! And we should definitely be doing the invitation already if we are going to give one out! It was good. And then we went out to Vappianos. It is a super good Italian restaurant. And then Elder Donald and I took the long journey back to Klagenfurt. Exchange!! It was two hours in a bus.: We finally got back and just went straight into the city. We talked to people about Easter and the new video. It was really good. And then we went to the University and doored near it. We showed the new video quite a few times!

Mittwoch

Well, we had two appointments set up, and they both fell through. So we ended up talking to people on the street for 5 hours, and then we walked to the University and doored for about 3 hours. We had so many good conversations though!!! We showed the video about a thousand times, and talked to a ton of people. We actually found some people who have interest in meeting and learning more! So that was super good!

Donnerstag

Thursday, we exchanged back, and Elder Jensen came back to Klagenfurt. We came back home to eat lunch. And then we went to Pörtschach am Wörthersee. It is so pretty there! It is like a very small peninsula in the lake. And then sun was setting, so it was amazing!!! We talked to people there about Easter as well(: And then we did some language study on one of the docks! It was awesome!

Freitag

Friday, we did a little bit of weekly planning. And then we went to the Lendkanal. Man, it was so warm!!! Like high 50s! Man that was warm. It has been ranging from 35 to 45. So it was warm! And then we called some people, and made some appointments out! Wooh! And then we went to the church and played Table Tennis with our GML. I guess Austrians are pretty serious about their Table tennis! Then we had our small meeting. Then we ate with some of the members. Yummy.

Samstag

Saturday was beautiful!!! It was still like 60ish... Man, we walked along the canal to the beach. It was so nice out, and there were like a thousand people outside!!! Man!!!!!!!! Crazy!

Sonntag

Sunday was great!!! The spirit was really strong! And then we had a potluck! IT was so good. And then we came home and studied a little. And then we went talking to people.

~Elder Albrecht~

Woche 91: Woche des Salzburgs

Woche 91:  Woche des Salzburgs

Montag

Monday was P-Day. We also had inspections. We passed, because our apartment is clean.

Dienstag

Tuesday we talked to people by Lendkanal. It was great. It is getting a little warmer here. And then we had a lesson with "H" and "A". We weren't sure if they were reading very consistently in the Book of Mormon. So, we were planning on talking about the importance and prayer. Well, we started off, and it turns out that they read the entire book completely through. So that was super awesome! They didn't understand everything, especially since they only have selections printed into Persian. So, we showed them the one on Gospel Library, because it has the whole book on it. So, they had a ton of questions about Joseph Smith and the church and stuff like that. We were totally surprised, but super happy that they read! We talked about prayer still and about how it is so important to receive an answer if the Book of Mormon is true! And then we went and did some more finding afterwards. We walked all over the place! And then we went over to the Nielson's place to eat. They are the other senior couple. We ate pizza and calzones! It was so good! 

Mittwoch

Wednesday we talked to some more people. And then we went to the church to have a lesson with "H" and "A". Well, they never showed up, but we were trying to look up different church stuff in Persian. Well, they got the Book of Mormon and General Conference. That is about it. And then we had Ward council. It was good, the ward supports us a lot!

Donnerstag

Thursday was an all finding day. We went and talked to people in the city for a little, and then called less actives, and then went and ordered tickets real quick. Then we went to Ebenthal, some part of town...? or district. Seriously don't know the word...suburb, borough? No idea. But we went dooring there for the rest of the evening.

Freitag

Friday we woke up at 4 to go to Salzburg. Well, we got out of bed at 4:30, but still! It was way early. We had Mission Tour there. Elder Pilz of the Seventy came to preside. He is from Germany. So it was mostly in English, but every now and then they would have to switch to German. It was cool. It was super awesome! And then Elder Samuelson(from my group) and I went out finding afterwards. We talked to a ton of way nice people! The people are different from the people in Klagenfurt and Kärnten. But then again, Salzburg is a huge tourist city.  But then we had a super good lesson with some guy from Syria. We talked about the Restoration. We emphasized a ton on the patterns of God. He always calls prophets. And He always loves us and shows us this love. We just gotta look!

Samstag

We did some more finding. Actually talked to a guy from Schwenningen! My first area!!! That was so cool! He was so awesome! We talked about the Restoration and he was just loving it! And then later we had Stake Conference. It was so good! Really! And it was so nice to see different members from Linz!

Sonntag

Sunday session of Stake conference was also super good!!!! The talks were great! And then we came home.

~Elder Albrecht~

Woche 90: Woche der Wundern

Happy Anniversary!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, on Wednesday at least, but I can't email you then.

Elder Jensen and I are doing well. We are getting along and working well together.

Elder Jensen can sing really well!

Klagnefurt Branch is pretty much the best. We got the best members here. I get to play the piano in Primary for a little bit every Sunday and I am the Choir pianist.

 

Woche der Wundern

Montag

Monday was P-Day...

Dienstag

So, Elder Jensen made an appointment with "N" to visit him and his son in the hospital today. The appointment was made at 12.00ish for 13.00. Well, as it turns out, Elder Jensen meant 1400. So we told Norbert that we would be 15 minutes late. Well, we got there at 13.45. Kind of late. Well, we meet "J" and "N" and sit down in the lobby of the  second floor. We get talking about his recovery and "J" is doing so  much better! The doctors are amazed at how fast "J" is recovering.  He can walk pretty good now and said that he feels a lot better!  N" believes 100% that it was because of the blessing from last week. Well, we  continue talking and show them pictures of the temples.



Eventually some guy in a wheely chair thing rolls on by with a nurse  and his wife. I looked at him and felt something, but shrugged it off as he passed. He eventually came back and sat with us at the table to eat a light snack. Elder Jensen asks where he from, because he had a British accent. Well, he is somewhere from the Yorkshire area. And his wife is from Korneuburg, Niederösterreich. So, we start having a  large conversation all around the table. It was great. Just a good  time. And then the patient("J") asks us what we are doing. He reads our name badge and sees Jesus Christ. So, we told him that we are missionaries and that speak to people about Jesus Christ.



He then said, "and about Donald Trump." Well, the conversation went into politics and about America being not super free and about how crazy Trump is. Well, he then asks what makes the Mormons different from other churches. What is supposed to appeal to other people. So we explained some of the fundamental principles of our church. Prophets, God, Prayer, etc. We continue to answer his questions about the church. Word of Wisdom (health code), law of chastity. He agrees with it all. We continue talking about faith and what it is. He asks more questions and we answer them. "J" believes in a higher energy ball thing. But it is the source of Light, life and love. Awesome. And "N" even answers questions as if he were a member! Talked a ton about free will. He then gets wheeled off to take some meds, and as he gets wheeled off,  "N" tells him that we can give him a blessing if he wants.

 

So we start talking with the wife some more, and she likes it. Well, we start talking about life after death. So "J" comes back, and we continue talking about life after death. Pretty much the Plan of Salvation.  Where we go, and resurrection and eternal life. He believes in  spiritual reincarnation. He believes that this structural stuff is man  made. Well, we bear testimony of God and of our purpose and that it  comes from Him. We speak more about faith and said that he wants it so bad, but just doesn't know how to get it. Because he is an analyzer, that is literally his job. To get evidence and analyze.



So we speak about it and how faith works. It starts out small and we just need to feed the seed. Do one small action, such as prayer. And all we need to do is ask. Nothing special or crazy. He loves it!  Especially about the seed. He then asks for a blessing and to teach him about faith and prayer. So we pray, and explain the blessing. He is totally open to it. And the entire time, his wife and "N" and "J" is listening. "N" is actually helping answer and explain. And the wife just kept saying at how much she didn't know about her husband. He even said that he is probably the most open  person we will meet today. He was right.



So we then go into his room with just him and his wife, "A", to  perform the blessing. We explain that it is based on his faith and the will of God. So we proceed.  The spirit was so strong! It was crazy strong! I couldn't help but just shake. And he loved it! It was so peaceful in that room. And as we were leaving he asked us if we could  help him with faith. We told him, of course! So we left so he could get dressed, and the wife was getting emotional. And then he comes back  out and we continue to talk. Fear is the driving emotion of the world.  But love should be the driving emotion, just as the church preaches!  Well, we got his number, and said we could come by one day. But they also told us that they got there this morning to pick up meds and get some mechanical implant thing for his chemo. And that they were heading back the same day to go home. Which is 40 minutes away by car. So, he  says bye and gives a giant hug and says thanks! All of this took 3 1/2  hours.... The spirit was present for every moment. Every single second.

Mittwoch

We went finding and talked to people on the way to the church. We were supposed to have a lesson with "H", but he never showed up. So Br. Mauch and I talked about goals and stuff. And then we had an inventory kind of thing from Meet the Mormons. What went well, what will do better next time. The ward is great! They did it, but also were springing missionary ideas left and right as well!

 

Donnerstag

Thursday we ate lunch with the Suppersberger/Trippel family. We had Schnitzel, with veggies, and some cooked potatoes. It was all so delicious! And then we had a cake! It was some Wiener Apfelkuche cake! It was so sweet and sooooo good!  They are super awesome, the family! And then we talked to people on the streets!

 

Freitag

Friday we had District Meeting with the Christensens. It was super good. Talked about the importance of the Book of Mormon. And how it testifies of Christ! Here are some facts:

These are many times these names are mentioned in the Book of Mormon.

Jesus- 216

Christ- 486

Savior- 15

Messiah- 43

Redeemer- 108

God- 1761

And countless other titles Christ has! The Book of Mormon is literally another testament of Jesus Christ! It is such a powerful witness of Him! So, later we went to Feldkirchen. Well, it was a nice town. Small, and everyone is Catholic. And everyone has apparently seen the Mormons on TV... So that was weird.

 

Samstag

Saturday, we had a Soccer Tournament. It was two teams from Linz (mixed with kids from the surrounding area) and were both Mormon, for the most part. We had a team from Tschetschenien. It is some autonomous part of Russia. South West Russia. Close to Armenia. Our team was called "Mission Impossible" and we had 3 Persians, 2 Americans, and an Italian. It was pretty great. I did better than I thought I would, haha. Didn't die or pass out, haha! But really, we had loads of fun. We got third out of five. So not too bad. And our friends, the guys on our team, had a blast!

Sonntag

Well, Sunday was good. Had some really good testimonies given! We taught Br. Mauch a lesson during Sunday School. We taught Repentance. It went really well! And then I got to play piano for the Primary for a little bit during the last hour! They are all so cute and innocent! It is always such a good reminder to do what Jesus said. To become like a child! As in honest and simple! Well, those were emphasized for me this last Sunday. The gospel really is just so simple! And then we had lunch at the Casella's place with Sis. Schaunig and the two Senior couples! Man, Italian food is so good!!!!!!!!!!!! It was so delicious! And we had some specialty cake from Florence, Italy. It tasted similar to Angel Food Cake, but not as fluffy.

Anyway, I love being on a mission. It is seriously the best decision I have ever made! I love the gospel! It gives me the knowledge of my Savior that I need! Because, the Savior is always there for me! Literally, always!

Well, have a great week!

~Elder Albrecht~

Woche: ...89

Woche: ...

 

Montag

P-Day... We shopped. We emailed. We went finding. It was great.

Dienstag

We went to Graz for District Meeting. We had to wake up at 5! Man! And then we took a 2 hour bus ride at 7.20. It was pretty, but super long! And then we headed to the church in Graz. It was pretty good. We did some activity where the sisters were acting as missionary and investigator. And the investigator would present a problem, concern, or question and the missionary would address it and then pick a scripture story. And then the other missionaries got up, and bore testimony, as if we were that  person from the scripture. And then when it was wrapped up, they said that if we had those people as joint teaches, then we would want them to bear testimony. Well, we have the scriptures and their testimonies written down! It was super cool! And then we all went to some restaurant, and ate pizza. Well, E. Jensen and I both ate a whole pizza each, while everyone else ate a half... We are fat... Haha, and then we had exchanges with the Bruck an der Mur Elders. I went to Bruck with Elder Johnston! It was awesome and weird being in a car again... Haha, but really, it was weird. But we went by on a member, and we helped him out with some stuff. And then we went and taught some lady there. She was awesome! She believes it all, just needs to read and pray more consistently! She said she would! Wooh!

Mittwoch

Well, we took a 2 hour train ride back to Klagenfurt. When we got there, the other Elders weren't there, so we decided to go out finding. Well, we ended up talking to some super cool guy about the Book of Mormon. He took one and said he would like to talk more about it! Miracle! And then the other Elders came to the train station. Elder Jensen and I came back together and the others left.

Donnerstag

Thursday, we went to Villach! It is so pretty there! Really, it is so close to Italy, and the mountains as well! Man, it was great! We also talked to a ton of people! We also met some Austrian guy that spoke with an Australian accent! His Englisch was so good!

Freitag

Friday, we did weekly planning. And then we went out talking to people on the streets! It was great!

Samstag

Transfer calls! Well, guess what! I am staying here, with Elder Jensen!!! Wooh! So, we went finding on some Canal thing. It was pretty good. And then we went "C's" baptism! It was so awesome! I also got to play the piano for the baptism!

Sonntag

Well, I got to play the piano for the primary! It is so awesome! I love it I did it for the last hour of church. They are so innocent! It is also good reminder of how simple the gospel really is! And then we went to the Casella's after church! It was great! Had some Italian food! Yummy!

~Elder Albrecht~

Woche 88: Woche der Einladung

Woche der Einladung

(This last week)

Montag

Monday... Well, we cleaned. We actually bought food this time. We bought Trachten suits for 15€. They are way sweet! And then we did emails. After emails we passed out invitations to people in the city for "Meet The Mormons!" We met some crazy drunk dude who called himself God and Jesus, but he had a vision of Jesus, but wasn't Christian.... But it was really cool, because he asked us what we thought God and Jesus were. I got to bear a really solid testimony of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. And even though I know he was way to drunk to understand anything, God heard me. That was a real testimony builder! And then it rained, so we got soaked!

Dienstag

Tuesday, was the day we met with Hamid. We taught the Plan of Salvation using the whole church. We started in the chapel with all of the lights on and explained that God wants us to come back to him(AKA the chapel). And then we went to different rooms for the different parts of the plan. And then we got to Judgement Day. And so we did judgement at a table with a white board and acted it out. "H" loved it and even threw in some questions of his own! Of course gospel related! And then we did the three kingdoms! We set the lights low, medium and then high to emphasize the glories! And of course, where God lives was the brightest, back in the chapel! Hamid really loved it and understood it, even through the communication barrier. And then we passed out even more invitations! And then it rained again, so we got soaked again!!!

Mittwoch

Wednesday we had District Meeting with the two Senior Couples here! It was pretty good! We shared what we learned from the scriptures this past week and shared comments and stuff. It was great! And then we had a lesson with "H" and "A"! "H" went home the night before and taught "A"everything! So when we reviewed, they were both answering questions and filling in the blanks! It was way awesome! We also went over the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how it is the way back to God, we drew pictures on pieces of paper to help them understand! It was way awesome! And then we went and passed out some more of those invitations in the rain! Got soaked!

Donnerstag

Thursday, Sis. Schaunig took us to some Market in the city. I had Grießnockerlsuppe. No idea what that translates to, so just look it up. It was so good! And then I had Wiener Schnitzel and fries. And then I had a Poppy seed fruit cake thing. It was so good! And then we went to the east side to pass out invitations. We just went to the apartments, and hit them up. We actually met a way cool lady while over there. We decided to door the building until someone let us in, so we could get the invitations in the building. So some lady let us in, and we got to give her a Book of Mormon, bear testimony of Jesus Christ and His Atonement, and she said we could come back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was so awesome! And then we ate at the Danilliants! We got to play with their kids for a little! They were so awesome!

Freitag

Friday, we finally finished passing out the 5.000 invitations! Wooh!!!!! It was the best feeling ever! But, we did it in the rain! And then we went dooring for a little! People just were not interested in learning more. One guy took one look at us and said, "Ugh, nah! Ihr seht kommisch aus!" or in English, "Ugh, nah! Ya'll look weird!" Haha, he was nice. But then we had GMK. We got to do a small lesson with a member there. He is from Klagenfurt, but lives in Graz. It was really cool, and the Spirit was definitely there. We even got talking about all the bad in the world and about God letting it just happen. We got to bear testimony of God's love for us individually. Unfortunately bad stuff does happen, but that does not mean He doesn't love us! He is there! The spirit was just so strong!

Samstag

Saturday, we got sick. Wonder why... So, we tried to study German to feel somewhat effective... But, we did get to go to the movies...it was just for "Meet The Mormons!" This is the work that we and the ward put in:

     -5.000 invitations passed out

     -150 letters written and sent to officials in multiple cities and company owners

     -25 posters plastered around the city

     -posters at the movie theater itself

     -online invitations sent out by email, facebook, whatsapp, etc.

     -invitation sent on meinbezirk.at

So, the ward worked extremely hard on this! So we went and there were about 50 people there altogether. And about half of them were nonmembers!!! It was so awesome to see it pay off! And the movie was great! We watched it in German! Awesome!!!!

Sonntag

Sunday was awesome! We had Ward Conference! So members from Linz were there. Well, just the Erlachers and their kids. But it was so awesome to see them!!! And I played during the last hour for Primary. It was awesome! Because they don't usually have a pianist. It was a good reminder at how simple the gospel is and how innocent kids are! And then we had a potluck afterwards! It was great!

~Elder Albrecht~

Woche 87: Woche der Einladungen

Woche der Einladungen

(Week from before this last week)

Montag

Well, Monday we started off by buying no groceries!!! That was really dumb. We thought we had enough food... And then we took a three hour train to Salzburg.  It was so long! But it was super pretty. When we got into Salzburg, we sent off our emails and then went into the city. We went to some Trachten shop, so Elder Jensen could get some Joggers. And then when we were walking down the street looking at some store, the missionaries from Innsbruck saw us! So I saw Elder Wilkins and Sister Barter again! Wooh! And, guess what! I lost my iPad... So, that was kind of terrible. But I said a prayer, and I got the reassurance that it would be fine. We left a note at the Trachten store to call me if she found it. So, our night continued and we eventually ventured over to the Zone Leader's apartment. Well, slowly everyone arrived after us. There were 10 people altogether staying at the apartment. So many people! And I slept in a chair.

Dienstag

Tuesday was the day we had Zone Training. So the entire zone was there. And we talked about Personal Conversion. It was super good! We talked about how God is always there to help us and lift us up! So we never need to fear! Oh, and during the meeting I got a call from the Trachten lady. She said she found my iPad!!! So, after the meeting, I was on an exchange with Elder Nebeker. We got changed and went over to Germany. It was weird. Good weird, but different. And we helped some family move. We lifted boxes and a play set thing! And I got a Faschingskrapfen (Faschings Donut). It was super good.  And then we went finding down by some river. The Salzach... IT was fun. We talked to a ton of people! We had a super good talk with some couple from Germany. They were non denominational. We gave them a Book of Mormon, and said they would try to read, if they have enough time. And then I had a Dürüm, and the other s(there were only four of us now) had Döners. It was yummy. Oh, and the others picked my iPad up for me!!! Apparently the shop had been open for three hours before she found it laying on some random shelf! Miracle!!!!!!

Mittwoch

So, we did studies and then we had lunch with some member. They are fasting(Lent), so we ate soup. And then we ate Buchtel... It is some Hungarian dish I believe. But it is like a dinner roll stuffed with jam and you put vanilla sauce over it. That was the main course. It was sooooo good!!!!!!! And then we went back to Klagenfurt! And there was a snowstorm the night before, So it was a lot more snowy going back. And then we had ward council. Pretty good.

Donnerstag

Well, finally get to work in Klagenfurt again! We went and handed out Invitations to 'Meet the Mormons'. They are showing it this Saturday! Wooh! SO, we passed out tons of invitations. And then we eventually ate with the Kaiser's. SO, that was awesome! Their family is the best!!!! And we talked about Baptism with "C" their youngest boy  He is getting ready for Baptism soon.

Freitag

Friday, we had an invitation pass out party. So, a couple of the men from the ward came, and helped us pass out invitations. I was with  Br. Cassella, and Elder Jensen was with Br. Mauch and Marcao Cassella. We passed out so many!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously, like maybe 2000. It was a lot.

Samstag

Saturday, we went to Tainach-Stein. We taught "H" and "A" at the Bahnhof... Train station... We taught the restoration. We used google translate, broken English, and lots of pictures. It went really well. Those two dudes are awesome!!! And then we came back and cleaned the floors in the chapel and gym. And then we went over to the Danilliants. They are Russian, but from Moldova! That is so cool! My ancestors are from Moldova as well! Well, when it was Russia and German speaking settlements... But still cool!!!

Sonntag

Well, I gave a talk. I spoke about Lehi's Dream. Well, just the beginning. At the beginning of 1 Nephi 8, Lehi says that a man dressed in white tells him to follow and to come with. Well, after hours of traveling, Lehi notices that he has no clue where he is. It is dark and dreary. So, what does he do, he prays! He prayed that the Lord would be merciful and help him out! I spoke about how it is so similar in today's world. Sometimes, we find ourselves in a dark and dreary waste. And sometimes, it is while we are being righteous! Just like Lehi, we follow the Lord, and then we feel lost! We have a trial and obstacle! Well, what do we need to do? Pray! Don't turn away!

The rest of church was really good.  I got to play the piano during Primary for a couple of minutes and then we went to the Kaiser's again for lunch. It was spaghetti! Wooh! We taught the Plan of Salvation. And we used different rooms to help explain where were are, where we are going and what we do there. It was awesome!!!

~Elder Albrecht~