From letter

The new thing this week is nicer weather (not as hot). Not many people wanted to listen to us though, and the few that did wanted to argue beliefs rather than come unto Christ. My German is definitely improving though. I learn new words every day. Some of them more pleasant than others...

Excerpt from letter

It's been pretty crazy this week. It seems like I've been ever-busy. My new companion is Elder Horlacher. He's a pretty hard worker, so nothing has really let up. There was a Utah family at church this week. We got to translate for them. The ward seems ready to begin their own missionary program, so we are planning on starting with a few families this week, because member referrals are most likely for baptism. - 7/19/20

Letter Excerpt

There is also a gummi bear factory here called Haribo. Apparently it is a well known brand, but I have never heard of it.

Excerpt from letter

The city I am in is famous for sword and knife making. There are about 4 factories here for making weapons. They are pretty expensive though, and I don't think I could bring them home on the plane.

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Elder Miller

7/12/10

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Elder McArthur
7/12/10

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Elder Gunnell (he is 25. He decided to go on a mission when he really had a desire to. Super great missionary), Sister Botcher and her companion, and Elder Merrill
7/12/10

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My plate of food. Some pasta and salad with unlimited bread.
7/12/10

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Elder Miller. We went to this expensive restaurant called Vapiannos. Expensive in Germany is 10 Euro a plate or so...Most restarants are cheap.
7/12/10

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missionary message....actually a sticker.

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Our District. This picture turned out bad, but everyone is in it.

Our District again. This time, Sister Botcher and I got cut out. It was kinda weird cause we just set the cameras on a table and did it with the timer.

7-12-10

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Elder Rogers- He is a Zone Leader with Elder Gunnell. Super solid missionary also. He is going home however. He will be dearly missed.

7/12/10

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On my end, some interesting things have happened. The missions are now combined. The 90 year old sister Pickelein got baptised and confirmed. And my first cycle is over (6 weeks in the field). My companion is getting transferred after serving 1 year here....life is going to get tough, cause he knew this place like the back of his hand, so I never learned which busses/trains go where, etc. I also never really used the phone, so I don't know the good people to bring with to appointments, etc.

Normally, you get 2 cycles with your golden trainer, but I am just getting one. But I am kind of excited for my new companion. Everyone seems to think I will get along with him really well.

We found a lady with 2 little babies that wants to hear our message. She has taken the first 2 discussions and may come to a ward Summer Party on Wednesday.

We also got contact with this lady who initially had no interest, but wanted us to help her move. Well, that didn't really work out, cause they moved before they told us they would. However, she was impressed that we kept coming back, so she agreed to meet with us. She is also bringing 5 or 6 friends who want to hear whats up with our church helping people. Jehovah's Witnesses don't really do that, so they want to know who we really are.

Hope life is cool in Irvine, cause the weather is ridiculously hot and humid in Germany. We have an elder from south Carolina and he says the weather reminds him of home.....

-Elder Schuetz

Excerpt from letter

Written 6/28/10:
"... In other news, I haven't been getting much sleep recently. If you watched the Germany vs. England game, you will understand why. Cars honking, people blowing horns, yelling, chanting, & getting drunk. In addition, on days where Germany isn't playing, there are decent populations of Italians, Spanish, & Africans to supply noise pollution at night. Needless to say, missionary work is difficult during the World Cup..." :-)

Excerpt from letter 7/5/10

"I got cussed out on a bus - in English yesterday. He basically said 'Go back to Utah'. Which was funny because neither me nor my companion are from Utah..."