Week 48 May 23, 2016

Guten Tag meine liebe Freundchen:)

It was an awesome week this week. Awesome awesome awesome. I learned a

ton. This is the last week of our extended transfer and I'm sad but at

the same time I'm excited. I'm ready for a change, but I'm not going

out without a bang here.

On Wednesday/Thursday we had the normal district meeting and our ZL's

came. They gave a thema and it was way needed. Haven't been this pumped for

a long time but they did a really good job on exciting us. They

exchanged with Elder Rogers and I afterwards and I was with Elder

Hopkins for the day. Such a stud. We talked a lot about the mission.

It's is in a little bit of a funk right now. A lot of missionaries

aren't exactly motivated. It's a long story and there are a lot of

factors involved BUT WE JUST ALL GOTTA BUY IN OR NO ONE IS GOING TO BE

HAPPY AND WERE NOT GONNA BE SUCCESSFUL.

Friday we went over to Frau Tants', ate her famous currywurst and had

Deutsch Kurs. She reads to us out of a book and we have to write down

what she says with correct spelling and all and then she corrects it:)

Your boy got like a 92% this last time with only a couple spelling

errors.

Saturday turned out to be really good. The branch had their annual

"Frühlings Fest". I was absolutely ticked at the beginning because

they had Elder Rogers and I carry down all the tables and chairs to

set up. Now I'm all about helping, but when we are doing all the work

while everyone else is watching and talking that's when I start

getting a little testy. Plus these chairs and tables weren't just

plastic little things, they were big heavy wooden tables and chairs.

And we have a 4 story church. Two of the seven tables came from the

4th floor. But everyone helped clean up and it went twice as fast so 

Elder Miller was a happy camper:)

In our appointment with the refugees, We taught them about the word of

wisdom and law of chastity. Afterwards Mohammed typed into google

translate and showed us "I believe in this religion because it is so

pure." That was a really cool experience for me. I thought a lot about

his comment throughout the rest of the day and week. It makes so much

sense. Christs' true church on the earth would be nothing short of

perfectly pure. And that's what we preach very boldly as Saints. To do

nothing that would have the potential or opportunity to harm our

bodies. Even if it might not be bad in "moderation" or "just once or

twice". Don't even make it a possibility. I'm grateful for that short

short sentence that really grew my testimony for these two

commandments.

I love you guys!

Elder Miller

Week 47 May 16th, 2016

Hi friends and family!

Not a lot of time again today so this is gonna be a short one:)

It was a quiet week for us but it was still good! We had our refugee friends at church on Sunday and they loved every second of it. I love those people. We taught them about the Holy Ghost! Sometimes it's hard but google translate did a good job this week:) We are going to Cuxhaven again to meet with them tomorrow.

I went on exhange with Elder Staley on Wednesday! He's so sick! He is from Oregon and we had a way good time. Finding and.. Yeah we pretty much just actually found the whole day. But it surprisingly went fast because we chit chatted in between about everything you could pretty much chit chat about:) Found a couple people that we are going to go by later this week and see if we can make something of it!

We had another Straße Ausstellung (Street Display) on Saturday. It was a little scary because it rained the entire morning leading up to it. Amazingly,  as soon as we got there it stopped! Went for 3 hours and as soon as we were finished, what do you know, it started to down pour again;)

The Elders from Oldenburg spent the night with us last night and we met up with the Sisters to go to the beach today to find that it was closed:( No beach volleyball for us, but it's all good, we found the last floating German U-boat from world war 2 and we toured that thing! Way cool!

I had a few more things but I am out of time so I will write more next week! I am sorry! I love you guys so much!

Elder Miller

Elder Jeff Gordon???

Hi!

Sorry I'm on late today! I don't have a lot of time either so it's gonna be

a quick one:) We traveled to Bremen yesterday and met with

the district and Go-Karted.. I'm a bit bruised and sore and really

feeling it today but it was worth it. Honestly one of the

funnest p-days on the mission... It was a parking garage and they used

the top two levels as the track, so sick. Elder Rogers, Elder Staley and I

were BATTLING the first few laps constantly passing one another. I was

sitting pretty for a while. All of a sudden Elder Staley, the clown, side

swiped my back left corner, spun me out, and gave me a look as he

passed me, all in one swift move. Miller was out by a cheap shot. But I

didn't let it get me down. I was like Jeff Gordon out there -

clearly the best driver;) haha just playin!

Anyways it was so good seeing the fam! Mom I love you and hope you had

an awesome Mother's Day!

It was a good week! On Tuesday we traveled to Cuxhaven and had an

awesome lesson with our refugee friends! I can say like 4 Persian

words now so holla atcha boi one time:)) It was way good

other then when we had to leave... We planned to catch the bus at a

certain time, but 15 minutes passed and the thing did not come.. So we

thought, welp looks like we're walking 45 minutes to Banhof. 5 minutes

into our walk THE THING PASSES US:)

Fast forward and on Thursday it was a German holiday "Christi Himmel

Fahrt" - the day Christ ascended into heaven. Cool right? Nope.

Apparently it's dangerous so the mission created "Book of Mormon day"

where we got to stay inside away from all the drunk Germans outside

and read the book or Mormon all day. 

Hmmm another highlight, on Saturday we had a street display. I usually

dread street displays but this one was good. Talked to a lot of people

and handed out a couple books of mo mo's. It's cool to see people

approach us for a change when they do!

Sunday was a little bit of a bummer because no one could give our

refugee friends a ride to church so they couldn't come:/ I'm so

grateful for the church in Arizona. To have one on literally almost

every street corner is unreal. But the day changed to good as soon as

I got to talk to you guys:)

I have some pictures to make up for so I'll send a few. Love you guys so much! 

Have a good week!

                    

Week 45 May 2, 2016

Alriiiiighty folks! Happy summer! Enjoy your last one without me;)

Sorry I have been down and out the past two weeks but I am here now with a comeback!

This last week Elder Rogers and I were extremely blessed to see some awesome miracles for ourselves after a couple of long weeks with almost nothing. At the beginning of the week, it looked like it was going to be another long one of doors, and street contacting. And it kind of was at the beginning, but on Thursday we got a call from the Bremen Sisters saying that a couple of really strong investigors have been moved to our area. The Sisters came to Bremerhaven and we took a train to our new friends house for a pass off lesson. They are two refugees from Iran who speak no german and extremely little english. But I kid you not they are the two sweetest people I have ever met. I have never been a fan of teaching people through google translate. I always saw it as a waste of time. But as they typed their questions and I did my best to respond in english or through google translate the spirit was so strong. They would read our replies and nod their head with big smiles on their faces. They were worried when they were transferred that they would not be able to go to church anymore but that of course is no problem because we have a beautiful building for that right here in Bremerhaven:) We are lucky and for Sunday school they can join through Skype to a Persian class so they can hear lessons in their own language. It's incredible!

On the other side, I don't know what it was about drunk people this week but one guy heard me speaking english and then started talking to me. He was fascinated that I was from America and he said he visited but he couldn't remember where. Either New York or LA.. hahahah. We then walked to the other side of banhof to try and kind of get away from him but he followed us! He then proceeded to offer me his beer and of course I said I'm sorry we don't drink alcohol but this man REFUSED. He was not having no as an answer. Finally, I accepted the alcohol and rushed it into my backpack so no one would see while the other elders and sisters were laughing... The next one was on the bus. Out of the 50 people on the bus, I sit next to the drunk homeless guy. He asked me for money and I said I didn't have any and he then asked me to step off the bus with him, so she could smash in my face.. He put his fingers really close to my face and mumbled something. After a couple minutes of awkward silence he pulled out his cross necklace and apologized...

It was a good week. All things aren't going to go our way. That's just not how it works. It's not suppose to be like that. In times where everything seems to be going completely opposite of how we want it to be, it is the best time to show our faith. Work harder, pray more, SERVE more. We will receive so much more in return than if we lay down. 

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

I love you guys!

Noah

PS: HAPPY MUTTERTAG MOM I LOVE YOU SO MUCH.

Week 42 April 12, 2016

Whats good friends and fam!

Sorry I'm on a day late!

Well transfer calls came and.......... Looks like I'll be spending a

3rd out here in Bremerhaven! Rogers is staying as well and it will be

a 7 week transfer. That's a long time but I'm excited. Our entire

district stayed the same except of course Elder Peterson and it was

way way hard to see him go. But all is well because I will be seeing

him in just a short year:) My boy Gallacher is gone too. So dang sad,

it's honestly unreal. I'm officially one of the older ones on the

mish... And in a couple more transfers I will be the oldest. Crazy

stuff. THE NEW AP SHOUTOUT TO MY MTC COMP AND MY BOY ELDER DAY! I

CALLED IT FROM THE BEGINNING! I know he is gonna hook me up with all

the good benefits:)))

Anyways, not much this last week. Met with a few people and played some

soccer in Oldenburg again. The transfer calls were changed to Sunday

night instead of the usual Saturday night/ Monday morning which I have

no clue why and I can't think about it too much because I get mad. We

can't say goodbye to our ward because we don't know who or if we are

going... And it makes it hard to plan things because if someone goes

that changes your entire schedule. But what can you dooooo?? ANYWAYS...

Today was kinda crazy because of multiple things that I don't have the

the energy to write but we got to play laser tag which was way fun.

Killed it the first round and then the second round this 14 year old

kid with a pierced ear walks in and talks about how he's the best

laser tag player in Germany... Supposedly he was in the Guiness Book

of world records. He was good but he wasn't that good. Your boi stuck

close. Jokes on him actually because he brought HIS OWN laser tag vest

and gun. I didn't even know you could do that.. Who does that?

Honestly, who is that serious about laser tag? He brought his own vest

and gun....that is just unreal...

Auf jeden fall we have lots of good goals this next transfer and were

planning on seeing some big miracles out here. I love you guys and

pray for you everyday!

Have a good week!

Elder Miller

Week 41 April 4th, 2016

Hey everyone!

Well this week was... Interesting... But conference was great as always. Loved it all!!

Well let's get to it!

Monday started off with a BANG. Elder Peterson and Matis spent the night because we were gonna do an exchange the next morning. Now, here is where things get crazy. I normally let Elder Rogers cut my hair, and he does a good job, but Peterson has been bragging ALL WEEK about how many good hair cuts he has given. So I said what the heck why not.. So I am sitting patiently throughout the haircut and we are near the end. The next thing I know is: "Oh my gosh!!!" I thought it was a big joke at first, however after seeing the facial expressions of Elder Rogers and Elder Matis, I knew it was far from a joke. I hopped off my stool and sprinted as fast as I could to the closest mirror and I saw it.... ONE. HUGE. SHAVED. LINE. RIGHT DOWN THE SIDE OF MY HEAD. I was honestly speechless... If it weren't for Elder Petersons hysterical laugh, I would be outraged. But when you hear it, it just makes your day 100x better gosh dangit. And it's too short to cut all the way around still. So I have been wearing a hat all week and taking lots of fish oil pills. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise because I heard those pills are mega healthy.

ANYWAYS! Tuesday we went up to Oldenburg and played indoor soccer. I miss soccer so much. And being in shape because I was absolutely dying. 

Wednesday we had our last district meeting of the transfer because next week we have zone training meeting. Crazy how fast these last 6 weeks have gone by! Hopefully our district won't change too much..

The rest of the week we tried to get the work rolling but its tough. Not a lot happening right now so we really need to figure something out. I am grateful for conference this week, I really needed it. I felt like so many of the talks were directed for me specifically and how I myself can be better for now and for the future, as well as helping these members and people of Germany as best I can. I feel like sometimes these people just simply aren't doing the simple things that can make big differences in their lives. Huge example, coming to church. COME. TO. CHURCH. This is where Elder Miller is learning patience. Regardless, I love these stingy, cranky people, and just like Elder Mervyn B. Arnold said, I will never give up on any of them, no matter what:)

LG,

Elder Miller

Week 7377!!,!

What's good everyone!

Sorry, I seriously have not a lot of time today but I hope you all had

a fantaaasstic Easter!

Work was a little slow this week but we're staying on the grind! I'm

on exchange with Elder Matis right now. He's 4 weeks fresh and a stud!

He's kinda struggling like everyone does with new adjustments in the

beginning but I swear this kid is future AP.

On saturday we had a ward Family History activity and it was way good! My

old pal Sister Seare from Spandau got to come up and be in charge of

it cause she's the geneology sister. Our whole district came and afterwards

we took some pday time out to go visit the Clima House. It's a big

bean shaped building with a ton of different rooms modeled after

different countries and their climates. Way sick. For example, they

have an Antarctica room and it's -10 in that place!

Anyways, conference this weekend! So pumped! I love it. I love you all.

I really do!

Keep on keepin on:)

Elder Miller

Week 39 March 21, 2016

Family!!!

Sorry I am on way early this morning. Some missionaries came to Bremerhaven for the baptism and so they are spending the next couple nights with us and we are gonna go out and have some fun:) Including Elder Bodtcher! Ahh man I have missed that kid! Anyways, as you can probably guess this week was the best! Yep, for one reason: Frau Taunts was DUNKED:)

She was crying from beginning to end. Oh man everybody was so happy. We were both so nervous. She was mainly scared because of her ears. She's like 90% deaf so she was scared about going under the water. I was scared I was gonna mess up the words, drop her, etc. But it all went smoothly because we practiced about 34 times before :)

All of the missionaries that came have been people that she has been with ever since she's been found. And nobody told her, so one by one they came as surprises, and she was so ecstatic about it all. It was her birthday too and Elder Bodtcher made this way cool picture collage of all of us and put it in a frame and gave it to her. At the end of the baptism Alex went up and gave her a huge hug. Regardless of all the drama, all the arguments and all the frustration in that relationship, it was way cool to see it all pushed aside for this special day. None of it mattered, it was all irrelevant. Nothing but love and happiness and so much peace because of a special decision that was made to follow the example of Jesus Christ.

I've been thinking a ton about my mission the last few weeks. The hard times, the good times, the relationships I have made, all that I have learned. I am almost to my half way mark and I finally have come up with what I believe to be true. The whole "Your mission will be the best two years of your life" thing is 100% false. For me at least. ...If these 2 years will prove to be the best of my life, I am not a happy guy.

I am 5,000 miles away from my family, I have been spit at, cussed at, countless doors have been slammed in my face and I have seen rejection after rejection after rejection. There have been nights where I have cried myself to sleep. There have been nights where I have come up with the conclusion that I am coming home tomorrow. But a month goes by and somehow, I still find myself here. It's the culture of a mission.. Especially for me in Germany. My testimony has been tried and shaken. It's not easy. It has gotten easier over time, but the mission is still far, far from comfortable. 

However, then you catch someone like Frau Tants. German as it gets. Brutally honest, and one who simply would not believe or do something she wouldn't think is right. To have the opportunity to baptize her, and hear her testimony just one time, is worth 1000 rejections. #testimonybuilderfordayz #TheTants

All that being a said I, without a doubt,  know with my whole heart, this has the been the best year FOR my life. And I know the next year will be too. Missions create men and when my mission is said and done I'm going to come out a freaking warrior. If it was easy what would I learn? I'm mega grateful for Frau Tants and the example she is for me. People like her make it all worth it. 

I love you all and I hope you have the best week!

I don't know what week...

What's good fam!

Sorry, I had absolutely negative time to write yesterday! Some stuff came up with a member and we kinda had to watch over him the whole day but things are good now! 

Elder Rogers and I really took a lot of time to set up appointments this week with everyone. Members, less actives and investigators. We are going to have a mega busy week so we are excited about that!

I am racking my brain right now... I know a lot happened but I am completely drawing a blank. 

I am so excited for Frau Tants' baptism. That's really what my mind has been on this whole week. I am so exhausted and I do not feel like writing this email at all to be honest....I promise I will make up for it next week! Ill attach some pix n flix tho.

Trotzdem, Ich habe euch lieb!

love you guys!!

Elder Miller

              "What you can do when stuck at a bus stop and 20min until the next bus comes!"

WEEK 37 MARCH 7TH, 2016

What's guuucciiiii family!

It was a bit of a hectic week with transfers and all and showing my new comp Elder Rogers around the city! But we got everything planned out nice and are ready to get soakin wet out here in the west this transfer.

We had our first district meeting this week. It used to be only us and the Bremen Sisters with a senior couple as well, but the senior couple Tschüßed us and we picked up the Oldenburg Elders which is MEGA RAD. Elder Peterson is in Oldenburg and I freaking love that guy. We are like the same person. We have THREE brand new greenies in our district, 2 sisters and an Elder. I love new guys - makes me feel good and old ;) Plus it's a chance for me to see how far I have actually come since being exactly where they were at one point, not being able to recite D&C 4 in german ;) hehe no worries, they will get it in no time.

We are continuing to work with Frau Tants and got her program all sqaured away on Sunday! Which songs, speakers, etc. IM SO EXCITED. I wish you all could know her. She's the most animated, funny old lady I have ever met. 

This week wasn't bad but it actually felt like an eternity.. I finally got my new glasses so hopefully they start kickin in quick. Chaboi is gettin real tired of migraines. 

Sorry I haven't emailed back a lot! The last 2 weeks have been crazy but I promise next week I'll be sending out some replys:)

I love you all and hope you have the best week!

Elder Miller