Hi!
First of all, we got the transfer calls this morning. I will serve as branch president in Békéscsaba. My two companions are Elder Neumiller from Virginia and Elder Szuch from Idaho. Elder Neumiller has been in the mission for a year and came in Elders Harris's and Allred's group. Elder Szuch and I came together in the same group. I have only four transfers left in the eight months remaining in the mission, so I'm probably going to finish in Békéscsaba. Elder Allred will stay in Kecskemét, Elder Martin will be his companion.
Well, this new call was a big surprise for me. President Szabadkai called at around 8:20 a.m. when he normally starts his calls at around 7:00 a.m. for assistants, zone leaders, etc. and it's almost done by 8:00. Then the assistants call everyone else. So I was surprised to receive his call and I was even more surprised when he said that I was going to serve as a branch president. I did not get any hint before this transfer that something big like this would happen.
Showing posts with label Kecskemét. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kecskemét. Show all posts
Sunday, 3 September 2017
Wednesday, 23 August 2017
Week 18 in Kecskemét
Hi!
This past week I was in Szeged on a day split with Elder Hughes. We set up a white board with pictures and a question: What makes you happy? It went really well, since many responded to the question on the board and we had good conversations. In addition to finding people, the teaching of the Book of Mormon was one of my goals for the split and we had two lessons where we introduced the Book of Mormon to people. It always feels special when I talk about this book to someone who has never heard of it.
On Thursday we had interviews and they went well. Transfers will be on August 30th, so the next p-day will be on Tuesday, August 29. I'm pretty sure that I'm going to a new city.
After the interviews we had our district meeting and the theme was the Word of Wisdom. We focused on the concerns of our investigators who are struggling with this law. Studying the lessons as a district helped us all to see how we can improve the teachings and how to properly explain a difficult topic. Elder Allred and Sister Manwaring had their one-year anniversary in the mission, so after the meeting we went to a restaurant and ate gyros.
This past week I was in Szeged on a day split with Elder Hughes. We set up a white board with pictures and a question: What makes you happy? It went really well, since many responded to the question on the board and we had good conversations. In addition to finding people, the teaching of the Book of Mormon was one of my goals for the split and we had two lessons where we introduced the Book of Mormon to people. It always feels special when I talk about this book to someone who has never heard of it.
On Thursday we had interviews and they went well. Transfers will be on August 30th, so the next p-day will be on Tuesday, August 29. I'm pretty sure that I'm going to a new city.
After the interviews we had our district meeting and the theme was the Word of Wisdom. We focused on the concerns of our investigators who are struggling with this law. Studying the lessons as a district helped us all to see how we can improve the teachings and how to properly explain a difficult topic. Elder Allred and Sister Manwaring had their one-year anniversary in the mission, so after the meeting we went to a restaurant and ate gyros.
Monday, 31 July 2017
Week 15 in Kecskemét
This week was full of many interesting things. During tracting we met a Greek couple and then a Belgian lady. Who would have thought that there are Belgians and Greeks here in Kecskemét? We also visited an inactive member who lives in an elderly home. The old ladies there love us very much. They call us “little priests,” haha.
We also went tracting in a weird neighborhood called Felsôcsalános. There were many nice houses but everything looked very disorganized as there were no marked streets, so it was a bit like a maze. Most houses did not have a bell, so we mostly walked around.
Sunday, 30 July 2017
Week 14 in Kecsmekét
Hi!
This week went quickly, but there was not much really happening. On our p-day we went up to the big hill in the park and had a good view. It was quite sunny up there.
During tracking, we met an inactive member family who let us in and was very kind to us. We will probably visit them several times. With a new convert we talked about family home evening. Apart from that, this week was full of tracking.
This week went quickly, but there was not much really happening. On our p-day we went up to the big hill in the park and had a good view. It was quite sunny up there.
During tracking, we met an inactive member family who let us in and was very kind to us. We will probably visit them several times. With a new convert we talked about family home evening. Apart from that, this week was full of tracking.
Monday, 17 July 2017
Week 13 in Kecskemét
Hi!
We were involved in a great adventure this week. We went back to our apartment on Friday night, but the new neighbour had closed the door to the staircase. The door always stays open and we do not have a key for it. The neighbour wasn't at home and the owner did not have a key. (He doesn't even live in Kecskemét.) So we were locked up. We called President Szabadkai and he told us to go to Szeged to spend the evening there. The train was leaving in 20 minutes, so we ran to the train station and took the train that left at 9:20 p.m.. We arrived in Szeged at 10:20 p.m. The zone leaders were in Békéscsaba in splits, so we had to take a bus to go to the apartment of the other elders there. It was almost 11:00 p.m. when we finally arrived. There was nothing prepared for such an unexpected "split", but luckily they had a large, relatively comfortable apartment. The next day we went back to Kecskemét but we were still locked out, so we went to the chapel. Then the owner called saying that the neighbour would be home at around 1 p.m. When we finally met him, we made a copy of the key, and were able to get back to our apartment. It was quite a good story.
We were involved in a great adventure this week. We went back to our apartment on Friday night, but the new neighbour had closed the door to the staircase. The door always stays open and we do not have a key for it. The neighbour wasn't at home and the owner did not have a key. (He doesn't even live in Kecskemét.) So we were locked up. We called President Szabadkai and he told us to go to Szeged to spend the evening there. The train was leaving in 20 minutes, so we ran to the train station and took the train that left at 9:20 p.m.. We arrived in Szeged at 10:20 p.m. The zone leaders were in Békéscsaba in splits, so we had to take a bus to go to the apartment of the other elders there. It was almost 11:00 p.m. when we finally arrived. There was nothing prepared for such an unexpected "split", but luckily they had a large, relatively comfortable apartment. The next day we went back to Kecskemét but we were still locked out, so we went to the chapel. Then the owner called saying that the neighbour would be home at around 1 p.m. When we finally met him, we made a copy of the key, and were able to get back to our apartment. It was quite a good story.
Friday, 14 July 2017
Week 12 in Kecskemét
Hi!
On Monday we visited the workplace of Viktor, our ward mission leader. He works with 3D printing and showed us his workshop. He has printed many cool things like a little Eiffel Tower, little birds, chess pieces, figurines, and parts for machines. Take a look at the photos below!
On Tuesday we made hamburgers to celebrate the 4th of July. On Wednesday and Thursday we were in Szeged on splits with the zone leaders. We did a lot of tracting, knocking, and teaching, and we were there for their district meeting. It's a bit strange to have a district meeting that I'm not organizing. (This is the third transfer in a row that I'm a district leader, and even before that I was the district leader in Buda for a month until they kicked me out…just kidding.) After the splits, we missed the train, but that was not a problem as we had a chance to take a look at the downtown and we saw the great Szeged Cathedral and the Tisza river.
On Monday we visited the workplace of Viktor, our ward mission leader. He works with 3D printing and showed us his workshop. He has printed many cool things like a little Eiffel Tower, little birds, chess pieces, figurines, and parts for machines. Take a look at the photos below!
On Tuesday we made hamburgers to celebrate the 4th of July. On Wednesday and Thursday we were in Szeged on splits with the zone leaders. We did a lot of tracting, knocking, and teaching, and we were there for their district meeting. It's a bit strange to have a district meeting that I'm not organizing. (This is the third transfer in a row that I'm a district leader, and even before that I was the district leader in Buda for a month until they kicked me out…just kidding.) After the splits, we missed the train, but that was not a problem as we had a chance to take a look at the downtown and we saw the great Szeged Cathedral and the Tisza river.
Sunday, 9 July 2017
Week 11 in Kecskemét
Happy Canada Day everyone!
Our country is 150 years old! Almost as old as Hungary. Just kidding.
This transfer started well and the week went by very fast. First of all, I would like to share a story about the train trip when we travelled to Budapest. We started talking to the lady who was sitting in the booth with us. It turned out that her faith was strong and that she used to meet missionaries in Szeged before. She said that when she sees missionaries on the street, she feels calm and sees a clear light in our eyes. Before she got off the train she gave us her phone number so we gave it to the elders in Szeged. From this experience I learned that there are often unexpectedly good missionary opportunities, and when they come we need to be ready and act!
Our country is 150 years old! Almost as old as Hungary. Just kidding.
This transfer started well and the week went by very fast. First of all, I would like to share a story about the train trip when we travelled to Budapest. We started talking to the lady who was sitting in the booth with us. It turned out that her faith was strong and that she used to meet missionaries in Szeged before. She said that when she sees missionaries on the street, she feels calm and sees a clear light in our eyes. Before she got off the train she gave us her phone number so we gave it to the elders in Szeged. From this experience I learned that there are often unexpectedly good missionary opportunities, and when they come we need to be ready and act!
Tuesday, 27 June 2017
Week 10 in Kecskemét
Hi,
There are transfers this week and I am staying here in Kecskemét. My new companion will be Elder Allred. He came two groups after me and he is from Colorado. I went streeting with him on his first day in the country. He is a good guy and will be a good companion to work with. Elder Knight is going to Székesfehérvár and will serve there with Elder Dixon.
We met many church members this week and shared the first presidency message from the Liahona. One of them has a good samurai sword. Another one is an indexing pro and has indexed more than 10,000 records. He showed us how to do it and Elder Knight and I indexed a little bit. He said that not long ago he indexed a list of people who had been executed. Who said that indexing is boring?
We had a very good "four pillars" lesson with an investigator. They are prayer, scripture reading, going to church, and keeping the commandments. These four things uphold our testimonies and if one of the columns is missing or is not strong enough, then all may be over.
There are transfers this week and I am staying here in Kecskemét. My new companion will be Elder Allred. He came two groups after me and he is from Colorado. I went streeting with him on his first day in the country. He is a good guy and will be a good companion to work with. Elder Knight is going to Székesfehérvár and will serve there with Elder Dixon.
We met many church members this week and shared the first presidency message from the Liahona. One of them has a good samurai sword. Another one is an indexing pro and has indexed more than 10,000 records. He showed us how to do it and Elder Knight and I indexed a little bit. He said that not long ago he indexed a list of people who had been executed. Who said that indexing is boring?
We had a very good "four pillars" lesson with an investigator. They are prayer, scripture reading, going to church, and keeping the commandments. These four things uphold our testimonies and if one of the columns is missing or is not strong enough, then all may be over.
Week 9 in Kecskemét
Hi!
We had a very good week with many good programs, and of course I celebrated my birthday. So here I congratulate myself for turning 20!
On Wednesday the zone leaders came for a split. I was with Elder Hughes. First we had our district meeting and we made many role-playing games where missionaries had to find the concern of the investigator and solve it in two minutes. After that we baked cookies in the apartment and took them to our investigators and less-active members. In the evening, the four of us elders went to have ice cream in downtown because it was my first year anniversary in the country that day and Elder Knight and Elder Hughes had completed a year and a half in the mission.
We had a very good week with many good programs, and of course I celebrated my birthday. So here I congratulate myself for turning 20!
On Wednesday the zone leaders came for a split. I was with Elder Hughes. First we had our district meeting and we made many role-playing games where missionaries had to find the concern of the investigator and solve it in two minutes. After that we baked cookies in the apartment and took them to our investigators and less-active members. In the evening, the four of us elders went to have ice cream in downtown because it was my first year anniversary in the country that day and Elder Knight and Elder Hughes had completed a year and a half in the mission.
Sunday, 18 June 2017
Week 8 in Kecskemét
Hi,
First, this a 10-week transfer, so changes will be taking place in two weeks, on June 28. For that week our p-day will be on Tuesday instead of Monday.
There were not so many interesting things happening to us this week, but I’ll list some.
We baked a lot. I have a chocolate chip cookie recipe, and we brought some cookies to some of our investigators, less-active, and active members.
There is a néni (older lady) in the ward whom we are trying to activate. She has already come to church twice and it is good to see her returning to the path. The talks were very good on Sunday.
First, this a 10-week transfer, so changes will be taking place in two weeks, on June 28. For that week our p-day will be on Tuesday instead of Monday.
There were not so many interesting things happening to us this week, but I’ll list some.
We baked a lot. I have a chocolate chip cookie recipe, and we brought some cookies to some of our investigators, less-active, and active members.
There is a néni (older lady) in the ward whom we are trying to activate. She has already come to church twice and it is good to see her returning to the path. The talks were very good on Sunday.
Saturday, 10 June 2017
Halfway Through My Mission: A Letter to Family and Friends
May 25, 2017 (letter originally sent by regular mail)
Dear Family and Friends,
One year. It's been a year since I've been serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's been a year of unforgettable experiences, little miracles, adventures, and learning.
I'm not much of a letter writer, but in this letter I'll attempt to tell you about some of the things I've learned and experienced on the mission. Hopefully this doesn't get too boring for you, but if it does, take a nap. I won't mind. And remember: this is just a hundredth part!
It seems like a long time ago that I left my family behind and boarded a plane to get to the MTC and the beautiful mountains of Utah. Time in the MTC just sped up and in three weeks I was done with the classroom study blocks and lessons, and was flying with my group to Hungary. There we were greeted by our mission president and his wife, and the Budapest missionaries—all of whom, by the way, knew that I was the elder Elder Gonzalez's brother (see the joke I made there!), but I of course was a greenie, didn't know who most of them were. Anyways, after a night in a hotel, I got my trainer and we headed up to my first city: Pécs.
Dear Family and Friends,
One year. It's been a year since I've been serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's been a year of unforgettable experiences, little miracles, adventures, and learning.
I'm not much of a letter writer, but in this letter I'll attempt to tell you about some of the things I've learned and experienced on the mission. Hopefully this doesn't get too boring for you, but if it does, take a nap. I won't mind. And remember: this is just a hundredth part!
It seems like a long time ago that I left my family behind and boarded a plane to get to the MTC and the beautiful mountains of Utah. Time in the MTC just sped up and in three weeks I was done with the classroom study blocks and lessons, and was flying with my group to Hungary. There we were greeted by our mission president and his wife, and the Budapest missionaries—all of whom, by the way, knew that I was the elder Elder Gonzalez's brother (see the joke I made there!), but I of course was a greenie, didn't know who most of them were. Anyways, after a night in a hotel, I got my trainer and we headed up to my first city: Pécs.
Week 7 in Kecskemét
Hi all,
I had a wonderful week!
Among other things, on Thursday we went to visit an investigator and helped him pick cherries from his tree. It was a good program, I ate many fine cherries and we filled many buckets. I also bought BBQ Honey and Chili chicken seasoning and baked chicken wings, and it was quite good.
The other service opportunity this week was that we helped a member in a translation from Hungarian to English.
I had a wonderful week!
Among other things, on Thursday we went to visit an investigator and helped him pick cherries from his tree. It was a good program, I ate many fine cherries and we filled many buckets. I also bought BBQ Honey and Chili chicken seasoning and baked chicken wings, and it was quite good.
The other service opportunity this week was that we helped a member in a translation from Hungarian to English.
Friday, 2 June 2017
Week 6 in Kecskemét
Hi!
My mission is halfway done!!! It's unbelievable that one year has passed already. But time moves fast! This last year was very good. I feel that I have learned and developed a lot. My relationship with Heavenly Father has strengthened and my testimony has increased. I made many good friends and had great experiences. I have seen many little miracles and I know the second year will be even better! Actually, I wrote a letter that I just sent by regular mail today that is about these things, but the letter is longer, of course.
My mission is halfway done!!! It's unbelievable that one year has passed already. But time moves fast! This last year was very good. I feel that I have learned and developed a lot. My relationship with Heavenly Father has strengthened and my testimony has increased. I made many good friends and had great experiences. I have seen many little miracles and I know the second year will be even better! Actually, I wrote a letter that I just sent by regular mail today that is about these things, but the letter is longer, of course.
Friday, 26 May 2017
Week 5 in Kecskemét
Hi!
On Tuesday and Wednesday I was in Szeged on missionary splits. I was with Elder McKim with whom I served in Kaposvár. (We were not companions, but we were in the same district). It was a great experience. We taught an investigator a lesson about tithing and temples. We also knocked on a ten-story building and two Jehovah Witness ladies let us shared a small message with them about prayer. They were very good and we gave them a copy of The Book of Mormon and they gave us a small book about their religion. I did not see much of Szeged, just a two-tower church, the great synagogue that was just being renovated, and the cathedral (Dóm) from afar. But there was a grocery store near to the chapel where we could buy root beer.
On Tuesday and Wednesday I was in Szeged on missionary splits. I was with Elder McKim with whom I served in Kaposvár. (We were not companions, but we were in the same district). It was a great experience. We taught an investigator a lesson about tithing and temples. We also knocked on a ten-story building and two Jehovah Witness ladies let us shared a small message with them about prayer. They were very good and we gave them a copy of The Book of Mormon and they gave us a small book about their religion. I did not see much of Szeged, just a two-tower church, the great synagogue that was just being renovated, and the cathedral (Dóm) from afar. But there was a grocery store near to the chapel where we could buy root beer.
Sunday, 21 May 2017
Week 4 in Kecskemét
Hi all,
It was so good to Skype on Mother's Day! It was a great boost for me and seeing you and talking to you was very nice. We will meet again in less than a year.
On the weekend we helped pack up for Donna, as she is going to move to Alaska on Monday, and it was a good service opportunity.
Elder Kearon came on Wednesday for a mission tour and talked to us a lot about our missionary goals and teachings. He thanked us for our service. His entire talk was very uplifting. Elder Kearon is a very smart man.
It was so good to Skype on Mother's Day! It was a great boost for me and seeing you and talking to you was very nice. We will meet again in less than a year.
On the weekend we helped pack up for Donna, as she is going to move to Alaska on Monday, and it was a good service opportunity.
Elder Kearon came on Wednesday for a mission tour and talked to us a lot about our missionary goals and teachings. He thanked us for our service. His entire talk was very uplifting. Elder Kearon is a very smart man.
Friday, 12 May 2017
Week 3 in Kecskemét
Hi!
The most interesting thing that happened to us this week was that we went to a Hungarian high-school graduation. One young man from the ward, Krisztián, invited us to attend. Most men were wearing suits, so we were just like everyone else! There were many songs, music, and verse reciting. We also listened to two or three speakers and then some awards were given to the students with excellent marks. The ceremony lasted less than an hour and a half, so it's much shorter than the ones we have back home. There are many differences. For example, there is no graduation gown and nobody gets a diploma. In the middle of the ceremony, the students' parents were called to give flowers to their children. It didn't take place in a special banquet hall but on the school yard. Many ward members came to support Krisztián. At the end we were invited to a lunch in a nice hotel where we ate a lot of delicious and fancy meals. It was a very good program.
The most interesting thing that happened to us this week was that we went to a Hungarian high-school graduation. One young man from the ward, Krisztián, invited us to attend. Most men were wearing suits, so we were just like everyone else! There were many songs, music, and verse reciting. We also listened to two or three speakers and then some awards were given to the students with excellent marks. The ceremony lasted less than an hour and a half, so it's much shorter than the ones we have back home. There are many differences. For example, there is no graduation gown and nobody gets a diploma. In the middle of the ceremony, the students' parents were called to give flowers to their children. It didn't take place in a special banquet hall but on the school yard. Many ward members came to support Krisztián. At the end we were invited to a lunch in a nice hotel where we ate a lot of delicious and fancy meals. It was a very good program.
Saturday, 6 May 2017
Week 2 in Kecskemét
Hi!
First of all, happy birthday Pablo!
We are teaching an investigator who owns a big property and even a horse! He gave us a little tour after our lesson and showed us his horse.
On Wednesday we had zone conference in Budapest. The theme was the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts. I learned a lot there and we had a very good training. After that, Elder Knight and I went to Magic Burger to eat real American burgers, French fries, and root beer!
First of all, happy birthday Pablo!
We are teaching an investigator who owns a big property and even a horse! He gave us a little tour after our lesson and showed us his horse.
On Wednesday we had zone conference in Budapest. The theme was the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts. I learned a lot there and we had a very good training. After that, Elder Knight and I went to Magic Burger to eat real American burgers, French fries, and root beer!
Monday, 24 April 2017
Week 1 in Kecskemét
Hello everyone!
Well, I have successfully arrived in Kecskemét! We left Kaposvár on Wednesday morning. As we were travelling to Budapest, it began to snow. Fortunately, I had my winter coat in my suitcase so I put it on. The next day it snowed again. Who would have thought that there would be snow in Hungary on April 20? Poor greenies! They certainly thought that this country is just like Norway.
Kecskemét is bigger than Kaposvár and quite beautiful. Our apartment is very modern and it even has air conditioning, so it will be good in the summer when it gets hot. The chapel is very big and beautiful. The ward here is large and strong with many returned missionaries, families, and youth. Elder Knight is a great guy. He loves to exercise, so we work out hard every morning.
Well, I have successfully arrived in Kecskemét! We left Kaposvár on Wednesday morning. As we were travelling to Budapest, it began to snow. Fortunately, I had my winter coat in my suitcase so I put it on. The next day it snowed again. Who would have thought that there would be snow in Hungary on April 20? Poor greenies! They certainly thought that this country is just like Norway.
Kecskemét is bigger than Kaposvár and quite beautiful. Our apartment is very modern and it even has air conditioning, so it will be good in the summer when it gets hot. The chapel is very big and beautiful. The ward here is large and strong with many returned missionaries, families, and youth. Elder Knight is a great guy. He loves to exercise, so we work out hard every morning.
Tuesday, 18 April 2017
Week 18 in Kaposvár
Hi!
I'm going to Kecskemét! My companion will be Elder Knight from Arizona. He is two transfers ahead of me. There are also two sisters in our district (STLs) and I will be the district leader.
First of all, I am very glad that I had the opportunity to serve here in Kaposvár with Elder Harris and then with Elder Phillips. While I have been here, I have seen changes in people's lives. There was a church member who used to have problems with the Word of Wisdom and tithing, but now he is preparing to go to the Temple. Many investigators were touched by the message of the restored gospel and read the Book of Mormon regularly. I learned a lot here and have good memories of Kaposvár. I am also happy that I have an opportunity to serve in a new city with a new companion. I think it will be a very good transfer in Kecskemét with Elder Knight, and I will learn a lot there.
I'm going to Kecskemét! My companion will be Elder Knight from Arizona. He is two transfers ahead of me. There are also two sisters in our district (STLs) and I will be the district leader.
First of all, I am very glad that I had the opportunity to serve here in Kaposvár with Elder Harris and then with Elder Phillips. While I have been here, I have seen changes in people's lives. There was a church member who used to have problems with the Word of Wisdom and tithing, but now he is preparing to go to the Temple. Many investigators were touched by the message of the restored gospel and read the Book of Mormon regularly. I learned a lot here and have good memories of Kaposvár. I am also happy that I have an opportunity to serve in a new city with a new companion. I think it will be a very good transfer in Kecskemét with Elder Knight, and I will learn a lot there.
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