Busy Busy Busy!

Hey everyone!

 This week was pretty good.. We were way busy though at the beginning of the week. Since transfer calls were last week we had to help everyone transfer on Tuesday. It was sad though, Elder James is no longer with us. He died and went home! We had a blast together. He is a way cool kid, Ill hang with him when I get home.. But we got Elder Clayton.. and he is way cool. We were in the MTC together and we have always had a blast together. So its kinda a bitter sweet thing, with E. James leaving, Its all good though. We will continue working hard and partying as normal lol. But all Monday we were down in Bad Bentheim because the mission couple made us a huge thanksgiving dinner! I havent had pumpkin pie in forever! Mom you should start preparing to make some pumpkin pie because im gonna eat alot of it in about 4 months! haha BUt it was great, we played alot of pingpong and ultimate frisbee.. It was awesome, and Simon came with us! I swear this guy is a baller.. He is awesome! This ward here really scored with getting him as a member. He is such a great guy.

For the most part this week it was alot of finding. We had 6 appointments fall out.. I'v had worse but for the small pool of people that we have it stunk but its all good because sifting for the elect, and sometimes its gonna be hard, but you keep chuggin along. Elder Ustach is such a good guy, we get along great. Too bad ill have to wait like 20 months before he gets home to hang out with him haha but when he is home, we are gonna hang out! I feel bad sometimes that we dont have alot of people to work with but, I think this is a great learning experience for both of us. Thats what life is about.. Learn, Learn, and more Learning.. Love it.. Bring it on! But it was cool Elder Ustach made out a sweet appointment when we were doing doors. I was proud of him. It was funny this lady that answered the door looked exactly like the singer pink and her attitude was just like her haha but she was interested to learn, so were excited to go back. 

You wouldnt believe how much fog there is here.. Its insane, like the whole day is just crazy foggy, which makes it really cold.. Like I can feel it in my bones. My wrist and foot hurt from when I broke them..but I a man and I'll live.. sniff sniff.. haha But last night was totally awesome.. We had to walk to an appointment that was a hour and half away and we finally got there and she wasnt there.. I was not the happiest Elder at this point in time but we decided to head back and talk to people on the way because we were so far away and it was like 7 oclock.. but we took like a really funky route home haha I had no idea where we were going but we called it.. Exploring to find haha and as were walking along this dude stops us on his bike and its Sophiano.. One of our first investigators, who dropped us.. and said hey guys I was thinking about you guys all day and I saw you on the street.. I think we should meet again haha We were blown away because this guy wanted nothing to do with us.. It was so cool.. So he is gonna come play some soccer with us tonight! Im excited..

Well Im getting excited for December. Hopefully we can get some snow here soon.. Or this guy is going to turn into the grinch! You wouldnt want to see me green! haha But thanks for all your prayers. I love you all!

Tschüß

Elder Jonathan Popp

Moin!

Hey everybody,

 So were doing our emails today because we will be gone all day on Monday in a city called Bad Bentheim to do a thanksgiving get together. So we wouldnt have been able to get to do emails if we did them down there so, hence today. But Transfer calls were this morning! E.Ustach and I will be staying together! Sweet, that means we will be staying together for Christmas. Its going to be great! I way excited to start the new Transfer.. We also have E.Clayton moving in with us because E.James is going home, im sad to see him go but im excited to have E.Clayton. He is awesome! We were in the MTC together. So were gonna have a blast..  Its getting way cold out.. On Tuesday we were out doing finding and the crazy cold weather blew in and a thick fog. Oh man! I was freezing my butt off! But it was cool we made some hot chocolate! So I actually dont have much time but, this whole week we have been visiting with a ton of In-Active members and bringing joint teaches for them and we have been seeing alot of sucess! Its awesome when we get Joint Teaches. We actually had one today with an investigator and Sister Münzer who is the branch presidents wife, also from Arizona, came with us and I have to say she is just flat out awesome! She helped us out so much! I love Joint teaches! Well since I dont have much time I send some pictures, But I love you all and have a happy thanksgiving!

Tschüß

E. Jpopp

Moin Moin!

Moin Moin!

 Hey everyone! Sorry for no email last week. I was way busy! but im back. This week was way good. I woke up this morning and was like man were starting to get somewhere. Like when you open an area and training, your constantly worried on how you are going to find new people and how your going to help the new Elder learn everything. But, you know what I decided this morning were doing what were supposed to and were being blessed for it! Which made me happy! So you I did some Popp90x this morning! I made a workout yep.. I blast some space Jam music and make dance moves while holding weights.. Its actually quite effective and its alot of fun! Maybe I just have to much energy! haha

 Alright people, I went to the beautiful city of Bremen last Monday.. maybe you heard of it.. Its a very well-Known city in Germany because of its old buildings. Im telling you its beautiful. We had a blast and took some way cool pictures. But I think one of the coolest things that happened this week was I gave my first baptismal interview. It went really well.. It was funny though, I was talking to this guy and next thing I knew it had already been an hour haha and the Elders outside were freaking out.. But hey I wanted to make sure that he was ready. Which he was and was baptized on Sonntag.

We also visited one of my favorite members this week. and let me tell you, he is crazy! haha Like he has a crazy life story, which would take forever to explain but he is from africa, and while he was in africa, he had some bad things happen to him and it caused him to become a little handicapped. but this guy is a genius! But it was hilarious, he was talking about how obama won and how he supported him but he said you know what makes him so good. He has the intelligence of an 80 year old, a body of a 20 year old and an imagination of a 12 year old girl! hahahah I was on floor laughing. Man it was great!

So this is the coolest thing that happened this week... We found a new investigator and she is golden. She has read the whole book of mormon but never wanted to come to church. She hasnt been to any church for 2 and half years and said she would never go to any again because of her bad experiences.. So we worked a little magic and guess what? She came on Sunday! I was so happy, that she came because I know it is exactly what is missing in her life. She talks about how she just feels like there is an emptyness and I know this is the thing that would fill that emptyness, and she would be such a strong member! and now we got a sweet joint teach set up for saturday. Its going to be great!

 Well the weather is getting pretty cold. No snow yet, its killing me.. I want my white christmas! haha But transfer calls are this saturday! That came way to fast.. Like the time is going so fast its unbelievable. So gotta make the best with the few months I have left! Well I love all of you and hope your all doing great!

Tschüß

E. Jpopp

Ima be a Daddy!

Hey Everyone!

  Well transfer calls came out and I will be leaving Hamburg.. Dangit.. But guess what ima be a daddy.. I get to train a new missionary, haha and besides that I have to open up a brand new area in Oldenburg, Germany.. Haha This should be interesting lol. Like were just going to be finding all the time. My golden is gonna be so tired.. and me as well lol. But it will be good. It'll be a good experience starting from ground zero.. But it was also be good because I wont know the area and either will my golden... Thus we are equall lol.. and were just gonna have a blast exploring! So Im way excited!

This week was pretty lame actually.. We had 15 appointments fall out haha Yep, thats a doosie.. But we still did quite a bit of finding to finish our last week together. I learned alot from E.Adams and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to serve with him.We actually got to play volleyball with our ward on tuesday.. and we ll play again on tuesday night before I leave. Buut it was hilarious our bishop is like 6'6 and like 300 pounds and I totally spiked it right into is gut hahah It was so funny. I felt bad though cuz it got em pretty good. But it was alot of fun.

Conference was great.. Sunday we were at our church from 10 in the morning till 8:30 watching saturday to sunday and priesthood sessions.. we were all completely pooped. But there were some great talks.. Im usually not a big fan of E.Holland (which many find odd) But his talk was powerful..I just thought this conference overall was pretty dang good.. I really enjoyed conference for once lol.

Well Thats it for this week. Wish me luck as I train and open a new area up.. Should be fun! Im gonna be 21 next sunday, thats weird. Well I love you all and hope you have a great week!

Tschüß

E.Jpop

Hey Everyone!

 Well sorry about last week and no letter.. I typed a super long one and then it wouldnt send it was rediculous! I was so mad! haha but this weeks should hopefully go through.. But man Im so tired, just got done playing 4 hours of volleyball. Im pooped! But dont worry I destroyed everyone.. So thats still good! haha but, Guys I totally forget to shave this morning and I look like a bum haha Yep this guy can grow a beard now.. Sweet!

This week we were on exchange gelore! like 4! Seriously haha First I went with E.Whitehead who is in my MTC group On tuesday and we had an absolute blast! He is such a great kid. He has got his head screwed on straight! We did alot of finding which actually wasnt to bad because we just sang to people lol. Im telling you people get a kick out of it. Im not a good singer but it attracts peoples attention. Its quite funny! I actually find people to be more open when were having fun like that so it works great.. At least it makes everyone laugh.. Even if we sound like pigs dying lol.. Then I went on exchange with E. Burnett who was also in the MTC with me and it like poured the whole day.. and we had to help a girl move, and she had so much stuff it was rediculous.. My arms and back still hurt from that move.. But it was worth it cuz she fed us afterwards.. Not a bad trade..But we totally had a crazy walk in after that.. This guy is from Africa and he's got some crazy ideas.. but its all good, cuz the spirit told him at the end of our appointment that he should go with the mormons! haha Not too shabby Eh.. Then I went on Exchange with E.Walter again and we just tore everything up, went from appointment to appointment then this guy needed help setting up his modem and we got it all working which was a miracle.. My german must be gettin better because I understood everything setting that thing up..So I was proud of that..Then I went again with E.Barr and we just had a blank day so we just did doors all day haha Joyfull right? haha

Hey I forgot to mention.. Guess who is coming to hamburg next Saturday.... President Monson! Thats right he is visiting Hamburg and Berlin.. So all the missionaries get to see him! Im so excited! What a great birthday present! Oh dangit speaking about birthdays.. Ill be 21 next week.. What a scary thought..Now Ill be really legal.. dangit.. Oh dang and also this saturday is transfer calls and ima be really mad if I get transfered because I absolutely love hamburg.. I could stay here till the end of my mission! So pray that Ill stay here... Well Thats all I got his week.. I love you all and hope you have a great week!
Tschüß
E. Jpopp

Disciple Jon!

Hey Everyone

 So this week was pretty dang good. We were able to get into contact with alot of people that we had lost contact with, and they are golden! Man oh man, god really blesses us if we do everything we are able to do.. Even if its small and simple things!

Monday we met with my buddy Henry and this guy is so prepared its rediculous! He understood priesthood authority immediately and how there was an apostasy.It just made absolute sense to him and He told us he wants to be baptized! and guess when October 14th haha My birthday. Its gonna be sweet! Im way excited for him. Its funny cuz he calls me Disciple Jon haha Because the first time I talked to him on the street,I told him my name was Jon and he asked if I was a disciple of Christ and of course I told him yeah haha But its way funny..We were also able to meet with Mehdi again and he also wants to be baptized in October! Man its so awesome. We do what were supposed to and the lord blesses us. So Einfach ist es! 

Last Night was crazy though.We met with a way cool African Family but they decided to bring their pastor buddy. The thing is they know the church is true but they dont want to switch religions unless their friends do. So they invited this dude over, and he just tried to bible bash us the whole time.. and I told him we werent going to do that, were just here to invite everyone to read the book of mormon to findout if its true.. and he couldnt accept that but as soon as I started talking about authority,and how it was vital to gods plan and that you dont just magically get it. He went off on me and started making fun of the book of mormon and our religion and for the first time in my life, I stood up and told this guy that no one will make fun of this book of mormon or christ's church because it is holy thing and I pounded him with testimony.It was the first time Iv gotten emotional speaking about the book of mormon. Half of the things I said I cant remember but it was dead silent afterwards and the spirit was so strong..Seriously I thought the windows in the room would burst.. The Spirit has power people.Horcht mal auf!

But besides that we had lots of finding time. So we found some pretty cool people and im excited for the progress here in Hamburg. Well Thats all for this week! Love ya all and hope everything is well with you! 

Schöne Woche

Tschüß

E. JPopp

Dangit,I forgot my camera :( was gonna send some pics..Na ja,next week you will get some. Bitte haben sie einem moment geduld!

Hey Everyone,

 So this week was pretty good. Nothing crazy exciting going on but, were chuggin right along.. Its weird weeks are going so fast! dangit!. Its really funny at the beginning of your mission you want things to just go fast and get over but when you get to the end of your mission your like crap! Slow down.. Seriously, Iv thought about this and im going to miss this place like crazy but, we wont talk about that any further lol. I still got plenty of time left :)

So we had another really awkward situation this week haha So every Thursday we teach people English and no one showed up until this chinese girl came. and so we planned to make cookies and to explain how to make them in English with the vocabulary.. But this girl came in clothes as if she was going to a club and she was so upset that she was the only one there.. and im like well if your not comfortable than we will just cancel today..( Dont worry there were members at the church)... But she decided to stay, but the whole time we were teaching her she was just flirting it up.. and it just made everything super Awkward (Peinlich)... But then again it was hilarious..

Oh man my buddy Terrance came to church again! It was so sweet. He completely read gospel principles last week! and is going to finish the book of mormon. This guy is Golden.. Its pretty funny though because our lessons with him are totally not like a normal missionary lesson.. Like its not like we sit down and then hes on the other side of us.. but we are almost like buds.. We teach him things while we play basketball or soccer and he just understands it so much better.. Iv never had an investigator like him.. Way cool guy..

It was crazy on Tuesday we had to were at the train station from 8 in the morning till about 4 oclock in the afternoon.. Because we had to help missionaries get on and off trains.. Man I was soooo pooped! But it was fun, we had some crazy drunk bumbs try to make fun of us at the bahnhof and it didnt work.. Cuz im the comeback king! lol Even in German... well i like to think I am lol

We the work is going great! I just absolutely love Hamburg, It is by far my favorite place. I hope I can stay here till the end of my mission. I better start begging president haha

Well I love you all and hope you have a great week!

Bis Dann

Tschüß

E. JPopp

Mehdi!

Hey everyone!

Sorry this weeks is gonna be short and I know there wasnt last week but were just partying to much in Hamburg.. Forgive me! haha Ill share with you a funny story from last week though... We were on our way back home from meeting and there was this super cute girl ( Dont worry im focused now!) and she kept smiling at me and so I was talking to E.Adams about it and then when she gets off the bus, E. Adams totally made it obvious that we were talking about her.. I cant describe what he did but im still laughing about it.. worse wing man ever!! hahaha But then she blew me a kiss as she got off.. I was totally in cloud 9 for that whole week! It sucked.. But now Im back to missionary mode and am doing good! So no worries people!

 But this week was sweet! We are making some super good progress with our investigators.. Man they are so cool.. But my buddy Mehdi came to church and attended the baptism that the Zone leaders held and he absolutely loved it! He wanted to clap the whole time because he was so happy. It was hilarious.. But yeah he is will be baptized in 2 weeks! So im super excited for him! Its going to be great!

 This week we had Zo co.. and I got to say president Kosak can give super good themas.. I swear sometimes I would Zone out before but now he has got my full attention. So its way cool.. and before we had Zone Conference, the whole zone got together way early and played some basketball.. Man I love basketball.. I shouldv played in highschool.. Dope!!!

Na Gut. Well thats all I got but Im including pictures to make this email better lol!!! I hope everything is going well with everyone and I love you all!

Schöne woche!
Tschüß
Elder Poppnizzle


Picture: This is Anna who E.Hunziker and I also Baptized! ( and I was able to go back for hers!!!!! yeah)

Swiss Party!

Hey everyone!

 Well, I'd like to inform all of you this week, that I didnt lose my companion haha So Id say it was a successful week lol. Elder Adams is hilarious, gotta love that kid. So we had Quite the week of just finding. But we found some pretty legit people.

 Oh man we met with Mehdi this week.. He is scheduled to be baptized on August 26th but we see if he will make that. Im still putting my faith on him that he'll make it but well we will just say he needs to get rid of some mysterious woman. If you catch my drift haha So we pretty much have to help him quit that before he can be baptized. But he came to church and loved it. Said he'd come every week! So that was sweet. We also had my chilean friend Mario come for the 2nd week in a row to church.. This guy is sick. He completely read the whole book of mormon and told us how he can see his culture in the book of mormon.. So thats way cool. He's going to get baptized for sure!

So this wednesday was Switzerlands Independance day and Elder Locher (who lives with us in our apartment.Our fearless Zone Leader) is from Switzerland. He is very proud of it. So its just like 4th of July for us.. So E.Walter and I decide to bake him a cake with a switzerland flag on it and we made him sing the Switzerland anthem.. It was hilarious, we had a great little party! You should of seen his face when we brang the cake out.. He was so surprised lol.

On Saturday we did our normal soccer evening.. and guess what? E.Adams and I had 8 investigators to soccer! Whaa!?!? Are we good or what haha and there all gonna come next week. It was so fun and I even was able to Juke some germans at soccer haha Im gettin better. I just gotta learn how to shoot. Cuz sometimes the ball goes flying over the fence haha and its a 20ft tall fence ...lol! But hey practice makes perfect!

We also had President Interviews this week.. Man president Kosak is awesome! I had such a great conversation with him.. At first I thought he was just a crazy german but now I realize he is way cool. and he told me my german was good so that made me happy! lol

Well right now Im with my buddy E.Walter and were gonna go play some B-ball.. We did a split for Pday today, since E.Adams isnt to big a fan of Basketball, so he's gonna go do some sight seeing! Well I love you all and hope you all have a great week!

Tschüß
E.J Popp

Ps: I got my go home date..Its sad, how close it is!

Elder Adams? Oh Crap!!!

HEy Everyone!

 Let me tell you, this week has been a wild ride haha We had some pretty funny experiences.. One has to be like in the top 5 funniest experiences of my mission! haha and yes... I was left alone for 30 mins..Les Mal weiter..

 So being in hamburg you would think we are just packed with appointments but .. nope! Like we have so many appointments fall out and what not, Its rediculous! so we are constantly finding.. Well On thursday, we wanted to go to one of the far end corners of hamburg because we had some in-actives there and some contacts so we had to take a 30 min subway to this place.. But you know there is a little something called missionary sleep syndrom and this is what E.Adams and I both got..lol.. We we both fell asleep for about an hour.. well E.Adams, I woke up about 15 min before that and was like man I dont recongnize any of these area names but I figured we just didnt hit it yet.. Then It came to a stop and I read where we were and we were totally like 20 minutes outside of Hamburg itself!! haha So I had to wake up E.Adams and run and get off.. But the funniest thing is that the Sister were also on the same Subway ( We didnt know) and they watched us sleep the whole time and didnt wake us up!! Punks!

So then this is the best part.. and no we still havent learned our lesson yet-..So its friday and were sitting on the bus and Elder Adams falls asleep.. and im like okay ill let him sleep till we have to get off and so when it comes time to get off, I hit him and said its time to go.. and so I just got off and didnt think anything about that.. So I get pretty much almost in the subway station and turn around and E.Adams isnt behind me.. Then I look back at the Bus that we just got off and E. Adams is still hunched over sleeping on the bus.. and Im like OH Crap and book it over to it and hit the window but the bus takes off.. and usually the bus stops on the other side of the subway so im like cool, I'll just run over there and wake him up so I run over there and the bus doesnt stop and just keeps on going through the intersection..and I can see E.Adams just completely passed out and moving to the bumps in the road.. Oh man it was hilarious... I was almost in tears laughing.. and the best part is this In-active member watched the whole thing and was just dying laughing.. She's like ''Elder did you lose your comp?'' oh man.. It was great..So I had to wait for the Zone leaders to come get me so we could go find him... luckily he woke up and stayed at the next bus station lol. Man Im still laughing about that!

Sunday was so sweet, we had 4 investigators to church and this guy named Mario from chile that E.Scholes and I found came to church and told us he has finished the Book of Mormon and now wants to check the church out! We had such a good lesson.. This guy is golden!

But yeah everything is going great for me, I cant believe its pretty much August.. Where does the time go?.. but yeah, im having fun.. E.Walter (ZL) and I do P90x every night together.. So you better watch out Pops.. Ima take you out when I get home! lol..You too Lynn!

Tschüß
Alles Gute!
Elder Popp (The better looking one)

Taufdatum ausgemacht? Natürlich!

Moin Moin!

 Oh man this week was a tough one, as in we had all together like 22 fallen out appointments. Dangit.. But does that stop us!..... Well I have to admit we did get alot of ice cream breaks this week haha but NO, we kept going..But I have sad news.. Elder Scholes is leaving me in Hamburg. He gets to go to the East in a city called Leipzig.. Which is probably just as cool as Hamburg. I want to go there sometime in the future.. But yeah my new companion is Elder Adams. Ill pick him up tomorrow at the train station, but yeah... This is going to be a fun transfer haha...

 So, earlier this week we met with the Lüning family. They are both members but the wife is inactive.. Oh man they are the coolest people ever!  and Brüder Lüning sounds like Sean Connery.. No Joke! I made him say '' Red October Standing By'' It was awesome.. We all were just dying laughing.. I think he loves me now cuz I compared him to Sean Connery.. but we had a good time.

 Then later on Tuesday I believe we met with Folly and Stelle.. There both from Ghana.. Man they are so cool and guess what they made Fu-Fu for us.. Which is a popular african dish.. Its so cool.. Its all with the hands.. You get like the bowl of fried potatoe doe and you use two fingers to cut of a piece of potatoes and then you dip it in this like spicy chicken soup.. Oh man it was delicious..

But the best part.. was Friday night.. We finally got a hold of an old investigator and we taught a super good lesson about christ's role for us and he just soaked everything up and really wants to be baptized. So we set a baptismal date for Aug. 26th! Yeah baby! But this guy is probably the most humble guy Iv ever met.. He just absolutely is willing to learn and everything.. So sweet!

On Saturday evenings, we always play soccer with our investigators and Inactives.. and Our investigator Kai showed up and just absolutely loved it.. He got his butt kicked at soccer but he loved being out and hanging out with people.. I dont think he has to much to do, so it was way good for him to be out and about.. 

Sunday, We met with a member who was ex-communicated and with his active sister.. There like in their 60's... But it was a tough appointment.. Like the Ex member wanted to talk about church stuff and the sister would just cut off all coversations when they would come up about church.. and then she complained about how our bishop was sleeping during sacrament..It put us in a bad situation.. I wasnt too happy.. Because she was just making it worse when we tried to help her brother out but whatev.. at least the food was good right? lol..

Well thats about it, Im doing good, pretty happy. I shaved my head, no more spikes for a couple months. haha It feels great though lol. Everyone said I looked way older today at Zone Sport.. So who knows.. But yeah. I hope you all have a great week..
Alles Gute!
Tschüß
E.JPOPP

Pic: E.Scholes & I being gangsters before we play soccer on Saturday

Hey Everyone!
 
 Oh man this week was just awesome. We had quite the experiences, in terms of Bible bashing.. and for all of you who dont know.. I hate Bible bashing, I really do but you know some people you just have to humble and this week there were 2 lucky candidates... 

 So we have an investigator named Kai.. He is 22  and wants to become a pastor.. But he has really never read the bible as from what I can tell and never wants to go to church.. he said he isnt a church go-er.. so were kinda confused on how we he wants to become a pastor and not go to church.. But yeah we brought a joint teach named Brüder Waterböhr and let me tell you, he just put a smack down on! Oh man, like I would teach the dude certain principles and like totally show him things out of the bible and what not, then he would disagree and Brüder Waterböhr would just come out with crazy stuff and just,, well there is no easy way to put but just destroy him haha But like it was such a great lesson like he totally understands preisthood and what not, and he is now really interested in our religion.. 

 Then Elder Scholes & I had a walk-in with this girl who was like 24 years or something.. But she like just wanted to bash the whole time and I told her, you know I dont like Bible battles and she told me well thats how we study scriptures.. So...well... we did this thing... and lets just say she is going to read the book of mormon now... I have to really say.. I know the New Testement pretty dang good.. Never thought I'd brag about knowing the scriptures but yes Im proud of myself haha. But it was such a sweet lesson and it got to a point where she realized we knew what we were talking about and stopped flipping to scriptures and just listened quietly, and the spirit was so dang strong! So sweet.. So sometimes I guess bashing has to be but I still hate it..

 Friday was crazy though! We had a huge storm.. Like it rained so hard like It just look like someone was pouring endless buckets out of the sky.. Like everyone was hiding... We wound up being stranded in a Subway for an hour because the rain was so strong..I took a video but it really doesnt show it any justice, but you can definitely hear it.. and there was also a ton of lightning..

Oh yeah and between all this bible bashing and storms, I was super sick.. Like wednesday night, I slept like 2 hours total, I had a huge headache and my head was just totally congested.. It was probably the longest night of my mission.. but I got over it.. But I was out for like 2 days.. Like we went to our appointments and tried to make some at the church but because of the weather, going out and contacting was just not worth it.. But I tried my best.. 

But This week should be awesome.. Thursday we have Zone Conference, Friday Im going back to Berlin for Anna's Baptism ( So next week Ill send pictures of the 3  people we baptized in Eberswalde, Harald, Charles and Anna, Then On Saturday I get to go back to my golden city.. Glückstadt and do a service project! Im so excited, Its been a year since Iv been there! crazy!.. So yeah this week is gonna fly! I hope you guys will have as great week like I'll have! 
Alles Gute!
Tschüß
Elder Popp

Ich weiß wo Ich bin!

Hey everyone!

 Well this week was pretty good, but man I am pooped! Im also pooped because I just played like 4 hours of basketball.. Im getting my Jumper shot down though.. Watch out dad! We had 23 appointments fall out! Like everyday we had 2 or 3 fall out.. It was crazy. so we just had to buckle down and do some finding, but we did some pretty legit finding. We found some really golden people..

But yeah on Tuesday, we met with my J-Dub brotha patrick. Pretty much some jehova witnesses sucked him into there religion and he knows its wrong so he wants us to show him everything thats wrong with the Jdub church so he can tell the elders thats why he is leaving.. So we have some pretty good conversations, and its totally not bashing which I just love. Just straight up teaching. Then we met my buddy Kai. This guy is legit, he is like 24 and told us god wants him to be a preacher.. So I was like sweet, well teach you everything and set you up so you can go on a mission hahah  He thought that was pretty funny. But yeah he is moving right along, got some crazy ideas, but who doesnt!

Wednesday, was just beautiful....... we had every appointment fall out but we were able to find 5 golden people and especially this dude from chile!! He is awesome, his brother is a member in Chile and he has heard nothing but good things about our church, so were gonna visit him tonight.. Oh yeah and this crazy lady, like flipped out at me haha I didnt even get out church of jesus christ before she yells, Ich weiß wo Ich bin! ( I Know where Im at!) and keeps yelling it.. One it doesnt make anysense haha and two who just keeps yelling stuff down the street, Na Ja but the very next person was cool and we made out an appointment.

Thursday we met with our crazy chinese friend Lin. He can barely speak german and wants to learn English, so were trying our best to teach him but he is just all over the place! haha But its fun, I like to mess with him.. Friday We were jammed pack finally! Went from app. to app. Had a awesome first lesson with Herr Meyer, even though he insisted on listening to the beetles the whole time, but I can dig it! haha Then met some cool families from China, they fed us and we got to watch some soccer with them. Way fun evening.

Saturday, we went to lunch with this lady named Cindy. She is from Jamaica and was in the olympics for high pole jump in the early 90s.. She is so cool, she is going through a divorce and wanted to talk with us about it.. So we gave her some good advice and she was way happier after that.. What can I say, E. scholes and I we just have that charm! lol

And finally sunday, just a normal day, I didnt have to translate! Thank goodness...E. Walter did that, but ill do it next week lol But we had our normal sunday eating appointment and then met with a crazy Buhda dude and we pretty much destroyed him with questions about budha.. Ex. He told us about how people who read budhas bible and they obey it will be saved and so I asked him what about the people who were born before budha, Then he was like I could say the same thing to you,, what happens to the people who were born before christ.. I said, this is what we call the Old Testament.. hahaha It was hilarious you just had to have been there..

But yeah Im doing great, Hamburg is beautiful.. and My companion is great.. Life is good!
Love you all
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Elder JPOPP

HAMBURG!!!

Hey Everyone!

 So as you can tell by my title, yes I have been transfered to ''Die Stadt Der Träume!'' (City of dreams!) HAMBURG!!! hahaha I get to work in Hamburg, like direct in the city. I am so excited! I leave tomorrow, so I have been packing like crazy. Seriously, I have no Idea what im gonna do, I have been in small citys my whole mission.. Minden was the BIggest with like 70 thousand people.. Now im going to a place with over a million! haha Yes!

Alright this week was great. We were way busy meeting with a guy named Harald kohler. I cant remember if I told you about this guy but he is totally awesome.. I stopped him on his bike about a month ago, and he took us back to his apartment and absolutely loved the plan of salvation. So ever since we have been teaching him, and he will be baptized this Saturday!! haha Im so excited for him. Its awesome to see the change in people's lives. But I have to say, I have never seen anyone so prepared in my life.. He knew the church was true, since the first visit.So Yes, you can baptize people in Germany and you will see success.. If you dont think you will, then you wont. So Believe People!!!

But just so you know how hard Elder Hunziker and I worked. This transfer we found 103 new people. Like we made out 103 new appointments with people and taught well over 100 lessons this transfer. Thats insane! Hard work pays off..ES LOHNT SICH!

Alright well, thats it for me today.. Im going to play some Basketball and piano with ben!

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Elder Poppnizle

Nice to Meet You!

Hey Everyone!

 Well this week was just completely work! haha We are just working our butts off and finding new people lol.. So far in 3 weeks we have made out 61 new appointments, isnt that just crazy.. Yeah dont worry everyone else thinks were crazy too lol.. But were finding machines.. Know why because we go where know one else would usually go.. we go to the ghettos, we skateboard with the punks, we help crazy drunk germans on buses.. the list just goes on..Its just like what Christ did in the Bible, he didnt go hang out with the rich and holy people, he went down into the dumps and taught people.. Thats what were doing.. Alright thats all the spirtitual stuff your getting from me! haha jk

 Alright Tuesday was just great, we met with the Barleben Family. Iv got to tell you, they are just awesome.. They are totally gonna get baptized.. They used to come to church quite a bit a while go and they stopped coming cuz someone offended them.. My goodness people and there feelings...But dont worry we paid close attention to them and talked to them about what happenend and totally cleared it up, so they really like us now and were gonna eat at the house on tuesday.. Dang double Whammy, New Investigators and FooD! Das Kann Gar Nicht Schief Gehen! haha Oh my goodness funny story, after that we were on the bus going home and like a swarm of girls got on the bus (dang you satan) and like im not gonna lie, me and E.Hunziker were looking really good that day, and they kept smiling at us and what not, oh man it was awesome..I mean horrible..lol. but as im getting off the bus.. This girl totally grabs my butt! what the heck! haha I turned and was like Nice to meet you too haha oh man it was so weird..but yet hilarious! haha

Wednesday, was kinda boring.. Actually was really boring. On went on exchange with the Elders in Prenzlau, and the Elder I was with.. He has a broken foot or at least had one and couldnt do to much.. So we stayed at the church and taught like geneology class, institute and english.. Oh man I was totally about to just fall asleep..But dont worry , I didnt, well I cant remember falling asleep lol.

Thursday, we met with miles and Rudy.. Oh man these two guys are awesome. Ones from Syria and the other from Kenya.. They are so awesome.. Rudy has a Baptismal date for the 26th of May and Miles with probably be sometime in June. Man Im so excited for them. But yeah we had some awesome african bread roll things, they were delicious!

Friday, we had a game night, and it was totally awesome. A kid named Charles showed up and got to know some of the members of the ward.. and actually fits in perfectly.. and yes I totally whooped everyone at Tischtennis (Ping Pong)..haha

Saturday there was a huge service project thing going on in the city of Eberswalde, so we went and helped.. We got to paint this wooden house things for the kindergarden kids to play in.. But the funniest thing was, is we were wearing the jumper suits so the paint wouldnt get on us haha It was hilarious. But yeah then we did some doors after and Met with a girl named Anna.. she just showed up to the church last week and wanted to know more about it. So we taught her the basic doctrine and why we need the book of mormon.. She is just so quiet, its hard to read her.. But we think she took it well

And Finally Sunday.. We had Rudy, Miles, and Charles show up to church! It was so cool.. All three of them are just ready to change there lives. We are blowing things up here in Eberswalde. Thats what im talking about! haha But yeah It was fun to talk to the family on Sunday night.. Short and Sweet but yeah Thats it for this week. Thanks for everything, hope everything is going well!

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E.JPopp

Skateboard To Find!

Hey everyone!

 Well this week was completely, utterly just work! Im am so exhausted... Do you know how many new appointments we made out this week??... wait for it.... 21 new appointments! hahah So sweet! like our goal is to get 7 a week as a mission and we got 21 because we.... well were are just blessed haha So my new comp is Elder Hunziker... He is pretty cool. But pretty much its a business relationship haha if thats what you want to call it. Its all about missionary work here, we dont play around haha Na Ja, I probably have to learn to be more serious.. But yeah we had a super busy week..

So the coolest story of my mission happened this week... We saw some kids skateboarding and we were like what the heck, lets go ask if we can skateboard with them. So we went up to the kids and just started speaking flat out english with them.. HEy guys can we try? and then they totally let us skateboard with them and we hung out and talked with them for like 30 minutes and I showed them pictures of motocross and what not, oh man it was so sweet, there all coming this wednesday for english class.. and were gonna teach them about the gospel after! Is that sick or what?

Then we had to do another 2 Service projects this week, one with Ringo, moving is trash from his old apartment to some dumpster... but like seriously 4 germans came out and yelled at us and ringo and said we couldnt do that and what not, so they called the police and we had to book it to the bus! haha It was crazy. But we made it out alive and home safely.. Supposedly ringo had a permit or something for it but didnt have it with him to show the police.. Probably just lying.lol Then we went to my good friend Ruhnau again and help finish cleaning his apartment, from where Elder Colton & I left off.. man that sucked, his bathroom was disgusting, i will spare you all and just not even describe it! haha

Oh man it gets better, We met with a eternal investigator on Friday night.. and he knows the book of mormon is true but just wont admit it. He is just afraid that his wife who died is going to come back and haunt him from the grave, if he gets baptized..So we totally taught a way cool lesson, about how to find a true answer to the book of mormon and what that means, and how the priesthood can pull families into the eternity. He is also afraid that he would go to the celestial kingdom without his family and he would rather go to ''hell'' with his family then to heaven with them.. So we cleared everything up and the spirit was way strong, and he accepted to be baptized on May 26th.. So cool!!! haha

Saturday was just flat out rediculous.. we had to wake up early like at 5 to go to Neubrandenburg for a training meeting, and we were waiting for our bus right, and we realized the bus wasnt going to come and take us to the bahnhof (train station) and so we had to book it all the way down, seriously I almost died, and then we reached the bahnhof and walked over the bridge just to wave goodbye to our train that we were supposed to catch...( this is when I needed the guy to come out and play a song on the small violin hahah).. oh man I was so ticked.. we had to wait like a hour and half till the next one but it worked out and I got to work with my comp from the MTC for 3 hours while the others were in meetings, so that was fun..

Church was great as usual, but after church was the best part.. We went and visited Schwester Scheleit and her mother.. Her mother turned 102 and they had a ton of cake they wanted us too eat.. Oh man, seriously, this 102 old lady is probably the smartest lady ever, and she is in super good shape for a 102..Oh man but she was hilarious, she was totally hitting on me! haha Who can say that, a 102 year old woman hit on you? This guy. haha Seriously she was like, Elder when I die, im taking your eyes with me! haha and then she kept trying to get E. Hunziker and I to give her a kiss.. I wouldv given her one on the cheek but, yeah...E.Hunziker wasnt down for that.. But when we were leaving she shook my hand and was like wait, I just want to look at you handsome face for a minute! hahhahaha oh man, it was hilarious..

Well thats all for this week, im totally pooped.. Elder Hunziker, talks to everyone and everything lol.. So that means I do to, which is not bad, but tough.. but yeah Thanks for all your prayers, und Alles Gute!

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Elder J.Popp

Service Project's Galore!

Hey everyone!

 Well this week was just completely packed with service projects, one right after another. Im so pooped! haha I even have some bruises on my arms and legs because of moving so much furniture around...but whatev, i got a good workout in this week! haha..

 So on Tuesday, we were helping Ringo move into his new apartment and you of coarse he has to live on the very top and not have prepared anything before we got there lol. Seriously we got there and he was just laying on his couch, and was like Elders I dont know where to begin, so we had to pack everything for him.. and he has some pretty heavy cabnets and what not and we had to carry them down 5 stories.. That was no fun at all.. seriously, we both about died.. and it was just E. Colton and I there, no one else. Then we had to transport everything down to his new apartment, and he told us dont worry I got a mover thing you can use so it wont be so hard to move the furniture.. We were so relieved, then he brang out a wheelbarrow with a flat tire and was like heres your mover! haha oh man, Ich war so bose darauf!.. but needless to say, we survived with just a couple of scraps and bruises.. oh yeah we jacked up his fridge haha It fell out of the wheelbarrow...That thing was a monster, over like towered over me lol and was super heavy..

On Thursday, we helped the Zimmermans, with chopping wood in there back yard.. I got made fun of alot because supposedly, I swing an axe like a girl..haha but, I got the hang of it by the end of it...and they barbequed for us! Oh man we had some delicious steaks and Bratwursts! OH man german bratwurst are the best, no doubt about it!

Then on Saturday, we went all the way up to Rostock, which is up at the very northern tip of germany, right on the Baltic Sea, and yes I got to go to the beach on the Baltic Sea.. I know your all Jealous lol.. But in Rostock we did a service project at the Zoo! haha We had to like clean up and do some maintenence work there, it was way fun! Then we got to hangout afterwards and tour the zoo! Oh man there is a place where they have like wild monkeys running around and you go in there and let them climb on you... But I was ticked, my camera died and I couldnt get a picture with them! But yeah better believe I was playing with the monkeys! haha

yeah those 3 projects took like the whole day to do, now im feeling all of the fatigue that comes with it! But also we had transfer calls, Ill be staying in Eberswalde but E. Colton is leaving me.. Sucks all the good comps that I get im only with for 1 transfer! Pech Gehabt! But my new comp is name liked E. Hunsiger or something like that..

But yeah this transfer flew by way fast, got alot of good things planned for this transfer.. Just trying to keep this city alive, as in the members haha but everything is going great! Thanks for all your prayers and support. Hope everything is going great back at home as well!
Schöne Woche

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Bis Dann!
Auf Wiedersehen!
Tschau
( Take your pick lol:)

Elder Popp

I hit the hump, really??

Us in front of the Germanys Captitol Building

Hello Fans (haha)

Well this week was pretty interesting, i guess just kinda crazy...The drama in Eberswalde continues! haha So, let me explain this branch real quick.. We have 10 actives, some of the them are older ladies who have been members for years, but the younger members, have only been for a short period of time.. So alot of them dont know, what there callings are and what they are supposed to do.. So right now, we have alot of arguments and fights because everyone is getting there feelings hurt and what not...and our newly added member Ringo, is not helping hahah
                                                                                   
He thinks that when he gets the priesthood that he all the sudden becomes like captain of everything haha So he is bossing everyone around,,its kinda hard to explain but alot of drama is going on and E. Colton and I are right in the middle of it, its pretty tough.. Were trying to explain peoples callings and so are the Missionary couple here, but some people just arent getting it haha So yeah lots and lots of drama.. und Drama Queens Gefällt mir nicht!

 Baptism for Ringo, Me and E. Colton

 but yeah onto brighter things, we had Zo co and again, I got to hang out with Ben.. and Pres, gave an awesome thema as usuall! but right after, I went on exchange with our Zone Leader, E.LLoyd, he's pretty cool. Cept like the whole time he was just on the vurge of falling asleep in appointments, so I just talked with everyone haha but yeah we had a good exchange and what not...
When we exchanged back though our train was running 35 mins. late! Which is insane, so we wound up having to cancel our english class, and the members were so mad at us! haha like we can control the trains...Na Ja, Man überlebt es!
                                                                                          
Oh man on Saturday, we did a huge service project, for this handicapped guy name Bruder Ruhnau... I mean his apartment is so bad... He had newspapers everywhere dating back like 8 years ago, he hasnt cleaned anything for years... It litteraly smelled like someone died in there! and the kitchen and bathroom just made you want to gag cuz it smelled so bad,, well E. Colton & I got sick of it so we were there from 10 in the morning till 7 at night just completely gutting this place.. We filled up 30+ black garbage bags of just trash... and we just scrubbed everything... I literally cant explain how bad it was, Ben knows though so thats worth somethin... but yeah it looks pretty good now, we bought him air freshner things for each room, so they spray every hour... but man, idk how he stays alive in that enviroment, literally no body takes care of this man... I mean he has a nurse that comes everyday to give him a shot but thats it, and his brother treats him horrible,, oh man, so we decide to take him under our wing and were gonna help him get on his feet... literally lol He is so out of shape, when he walks to the kitchen he is panting, like hes not fat at all but he just sits all day,,, so were gonna take him on walks everyday, get him out an about, teach him how to clean and keep his apartment how it is,, so he's our project right now.. I really like helping him! Sometimes the people who need the most help our the people in our very own ward, or our families... Wir müssen uns darauf beachten!

 Welcome to East Germany, or the DDR

So I hit my year mark this week! That was really weird, I can remember sitting in the MTC in the basement doing my laundry and going,, CRAP! I got a long time! haha and like now, the first year has just blown right past,, its really crazy how time flies! but yeah for my year mark, we had like a complete full day, but every single appointment fell out except for one! haha Which was actually important, we met with Wilfred, he is our baptismal date guy.. we taught him Chastity and Word of Wisdom, man he totally excepted it, and hes gonna stop smoking and drinking! I was like dang, I wish it was that easy everytime! lol
                                                                                          
So this week, was pretty good.. but theres just alot of work to do! Saturday is already transfer calls, weird again..but yeah thanks for all the support and hope everything is going great at home!
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E.Popp

VERRÜCKTE TAUFE!

Hey everyone!

 So im doing my email today because its Easter weekend and Germans party from friday to monday, dont ask me why but, im assuming its just an excuse to drink more beer haha but yeah everything is closed so we wouldnt be able to do it tomorrow.. Well, I got to tell you, Last Pday was way fun! Me and Ben got some funny pictures! We had a blast even though alot of it was just wandering through Berlin, but hey thats how you learn a city, by just wandering!

So this week, we did alot of preparing, because Ringo passed his interview last monday night after Pday.. so the whole last week, I swear it was so chaotic.. Seriously, From wednesday to friday it was just complete chaos, because we dont have a baptismal font in Eberswalde, we have to go to a different place called Neubrandburg, its 2 1/2 hours away by train (if trains are running smoothly) so, we had buy tickets for the entire branch and call to see who could make it, and what not.. It was just all over the place lol and plus we have to teach english classes on Wednesday night, which was tough because we have to prepare alot for that lol.. but yeah I would tell you about the other appointments but they all fell out this week.. Im not joking, every one of our appointments fell out, but at least some called and said sorry and we will meet next week... But yeah back to the baptism haha Well Friday came, and we met everyone at the train station so we could ride up together, and then 4 people wound up not even showing up, so me and E. Colton were mad because we had to pay for extra tickets...but anyways, the train ride took for ever! I swear 2-3 hours on a train is no fun lol. but yeah we got to Neubrandenburg and everything was going great and we started the program until one of the elders realized that the baptismal font had drained pretty much all of the water while we were in the chapel lol. So all the Elders (8 of us) went out took our suits off and starting getting buckets of waters to fill this font up hahaha It took forever! It was funny though, we took vacuum hoses and ran them from the bathroom sink to the baptismal font to let the water run hahah It was so funny, I got some good pictures of it!, But we got it all full and everything but, man was that water cold! Im glad I didnt have to get in! lol.. But after that everything went fine, but someone chose wierd hymn songs that nobody knew and I swear we sounded like a bunch of pigs being slaughtered! haha It was so bad.. I tried not to laugh....too hard.. lol! VERRÜCKTE TAUFE!! (Crazy Baptism) ..But yeah It was great! Im so glad he got baptized, he is a cool guy.. Its so cool to see the person transform into somebody totally new..These are the things that you dont forget! So yeah I got my firsted baptism of my mission, really excited stuff!

On Saturday though, ( I just remembered we had 1 appointment go through lol).. We met with the Zimmerman family, It went alright but they made us Eisbein for dinner! Eisbein is like the meat on a pig around its knee joint.. ohhh man it was pretty bad... and they gave us alcohol free beer to drink and that stuff tasted horrible! It seriously was a tough meal to put down... I gagged a couple of times because I was trying to use the beer to wash that stuff down, but it was a bad idea to put those 2 things together at one time. lol. But yeah we had a good time, and they have this huge 60ft. tree in their backyard, and im totally gonna climb it next week! Dont worry ill get some good pictures from it lol. I have to say though, im so tired of eating pig meat.. when i come home, im not gonna eat any pig meat for years! haha so no pork chops when i get home dad! lol

But yeah today was pretty good, we had the normal church meeting, and we had a ward lunch together for easter, there was some pretty good food, I have to say..but yeah thats pretty much it, later today were gonna go visit one of my favorite members Sch.Will.. But yeah, I hope everything is going great at home and that everyone is having a great easter! and know what, ill be home for the next one! Weird huh? lol.Well enjoy, Easter Sunday!

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E.Poppnizzle

Hey Everyone!

  Well youll never guess who is sitting next to me..... BEN!!! hahah So sick, were hanging out in Berlin today...So that means my email is probably gonna be short today...lol

 But yeah this week was sick but just full of drama! On Tuesday night, we had the baptismal interview for ringo but he didnt pass and was told to meet with again next week.. so he was pretty upset about that but while we were waiting for his interview we went and did finding! I went with E.Lloyd and we made out 5 appointments, I have never had that much success on my mission so far it was crazy! I dont think Eberswalde has ever had that much success before lol. It was so sweet...

 We met with a new investigator named wilfred and man he is cool.. we taught him the plan of salvation and everything... He totally accepted it and we asked him to be baptized on May 5th and he accepted! Man, for a city that is really slow, im having alot of success here..

BUt yeah this weekend was crazy drama at church... It was general conference, so everything was out of whack here.. Then we had members telling us that ringo wasnt ready to be baptized and ringo was freaking out because people couldnt come, man I had such a headache... I tell you what, even when you get someone to say yes for baptism, it is still tough to organize everything an what not.. I spent like 2 hours on making his little baptismal flyer because the german computer program for ''word'' sucks!(Sorry Lynn) haha

But yeah this week should be good, but yeah its time to go party with Ben in Berlin... Jealous? lol!
Schöne Woche!
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E. Popp

Zion

Hey everyone!

 Well this one is going to be short, just letting you know, I got transfered... and youll never believe where im going... Eberswalde, Germany Aka.. Zion... Ben was seriously just there, so ill be serving in the place he just left... There are 6 members and 40 thousand people there...this should be fun! lol But yeah the week was great, visited alot of members and said goodbye.. I had a really good time in minden so it was sad to say goodbye.. but yeah I definitely am gonna come back and visit them! Well I still gotta pack and all that good stuff.. So I love you all and Hope everything is going well at home!

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Elder J.Popp

When the going gets tough, The tough get going!

Well this week was pretty crazy and fun, Muss ich sagen! I planned as much appointments as I could, so we could stay busy... But yeah the weather in germany is looking pretty good! Its starting to warm up and were getting alot of rain... Its so wierd, Iv like seen all the seasons in minden lol Not really... but I was here at the end of september till now.. with switching off between snow and rain...I got to say, im getting tired off windy rain, and my umbrellas keep breaking! im cursed with breaking umbrellas, idk what it is!

   Well we had a fun day on tuesday, I was on a exchange with E.Jenkins... and we visited two members... Schwester Lettl, she is so cool, she just got baptized in october here, but she made us some delicious food.. An awesome patato/bratwurst soup.. dont worry I got the reciped and were going over there tomorrow to learn how to make it! Im taking full advantage now of all the good german food and learning how to make it! haha Then We visited schwester krah, she is pretty cool, she is like in love with missionaries though...like i mean literally in love... its kinda scary sometimes... E. Jenkins sung with her on the piano, oh man i was dying life... its was like two pigs dying... Oh wait.. I mean, Bless there little hearts, they sung wonderfully... lol! Oh yeah and then we got yelled at for like 10 minutes by a drunk dude lol It was pretty funny...I just love drunk people, there my favorite!

   Wednesday we had zo-co.. It was really good, president gave an amazing thema... like this is probably the first time I didnt get really sleepy in Zo Co... Way good, I totally wrote down his thema... Dont worry, I share it with you in a year lol! After that we got totally rained out, my umbrella broke and I got soaked! Oh you just gotta love mission experiences!

   Thursday, we visited the Mignanue Family, there from africa.. There so cool! I love going over there, we have a lot of fun, they have a little kid who has autism and I swear he is just the funniest kid ever... like half of my german pick up lines are from him... he is just hilarious! But yeah we watched the testament movie in french with them... they speak better french than german, and Iv seen it plenty of times...Oh Man and after we ran into Drunk Santa again! Im pretty sure I told you guys about him around christmas, he is the dude who said he was jesus...Oh man he came out of a barbara shop and was mad because there was a picture of this cute girl on the window, and he went in and asked them where this girl was because he wanted to kiss her, and they said she wasnt there so he was all angry and stormed out and started complaining to us hahah It was hilarious!

Friday, we met with schwester neubauer again..she was the old lady that we went and visited and looked like she was gonna die, well ya she is back and healthy again, and she was so happy that I hadnt gotten transfered! haha she like loves me because I served in glückstadt, and she grew up there lol. after that we went to my favorite member Martha! Because she makes the best mexican food! She is so cooL!

Saturday, was just a complete work day, totally blank... so we gave out a ton of our cards and did alot of street contacting! The day felt like forever though, those are the tough days... But you know, When the going gets tough, The tough get going!...

Sunday, i gave my 6th talk so far on my mission... man I dont want to hear anyone complain when I get home about giving talks because I have to do them in german! haha but yeah it was good, I gave it on Patience, and I pretty much winged it but it was good, I had a couple members come up and say thank you, I felt like that was just for me! So that made me feel good!

But yeah It was a great week, this will probably be my last week in Minden, Im excited to go somewhere else, but also sad, Iv been here 6 months and already feel like a member of this ward... I swear I have like 4 going away partys from members this week, should be really fun! But yeah I hope everything is going great at home! Love ya all!

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Elder Popp

Fun stuff!

Hey Everyone!

 Well this week was by far way better then the last 2 weeks! I wasnt sick, my comp wasnt ...sick...! lol and we actually got some stuff done! Thank goodness!

   So we have like 3 people in Minden who are like ready to be baptized, Herr von Bieren, Frau Maier, and Thomas (BFG)... As for all of them, there all doing great! Especially von bieren, he has been coming to church, institute on Wednesday nights and church activities! He is just fitting in perfectly.. and Frau Maier was sick on sunday but is still ready and rolling to be baptized, hopefully in 2 weeks! and as for thomas, were moving his date back a little bit just because his mother died, so we dont want to pressure him hard core about it but at least help him stay on the path.. but these 3 know the church is true and there ready... but what sucks is, I will probably be transfered before they get baptized... so Ill have to get permission to come back for them, if they go through! But im happy for them and at least I know I helped them get to this point...

On wednesday we were in bielefeld for district meeting, and we found out there was a sweet castle around the church.. so you know what we did?? We decided to do some contacting around that area, so we could check it out! haha Its Huge! I took so many pictures... man thats the best part about germany, there are so many castles.. you can litterally just pick one out and go walk out to it and do contacting on the way! Super sweet!

Thursday was also pretty cool, so i have been dying to go out to a little dorf called espelkamp, and just give out tons of our cards... i mean this place has so many apartments, its ridiculous! It feels like your in russia! haha but yeah we left at 9 in the morning and were gone all day! We gave out like 5000 cards haha Crazy right? On I found like 20 Popp's That lived there! and there all from kazakhstan.. Weird, thought we were german! lol so I made my comp door them with me haha Most of them were actually jerks, until I said im from las vegas.. Im telling you las vegas is the key! haha but yeah in the end no one had interrest... So I cant be held responsible for not helping my family out! haha but yeah and since me and elder ririe split up on opposite sides of the streets to give these cards out.. guess who got jumped by J-dubs... I did! first of all, I hate it how alot of elders like to just go bash with J-dubs, its seriously just a waste of time...I always try to avoid them but they caught me.... And they asked me the dumb question about if I would donate blood.. and so i said of course what would jesus do, he would help out his fellow man... and gave them cards and left! haha I just dont waste my time with them.. plus I hate bashing!

Saturday, we had a sweet Ping pong tournament and the church! Oh man the Elders destroyed everyone... I got 3rd place... It seriously looked like the olympics, when the results were showing, american, american, american, german, american! haha serves them right! All the members in the ward were talking so much about how americans cant play ping pong and are lazy and just watch tv and eat mcDonalds! haha They got Served! Oh man it was awesome, they were all upset cuz we destroyed them! See what happens when your not humble! lol

Sunday was really cool, we went down to stadthagen to see a baptism.. His name is herr Maierick, way cool guy.. I helped teach him on a exchange, but it was cool to be there and support him! but yeah, it was a great week! and this week should be pretty good, got a full week planned! So im excited! Hope everything is going great back at home! Ich liebe euch!

Tschüß

Elder Popp

Immer Noch Müde! lol

Hello Friends!

 Well this week was pretty lame I have to say... because I got pretty sick and had to miss out on a bunch of appointments and president interviews... I just got like a cold or something, but I had like no voice for 2 days.. that was no fun... Man Sitting in a apartment for 2 almost 3 days, with just your companion, but then you have no voice, so you cant even talk with someone, LAME! haha

But I at least got to meet with Thomas ''The BFG''... It was pretty sad, we havent been able to meet with him for like 2 weeks and it was weird, he wwould be home but wouldnt let us in or what not... and while I was sick, we had to run to the store to get food, but I saw his light on and was like alright lets try again, and he let us in and he told us how he had lost his job and then his mother died, who he is deathly close too, and yeah he was just upset... so we just let him talk.. you could tell he just bundled everything in and he just layed everything out to us... that tells you how much he trusts us...but it was good for him to just release all that stress... we didnt teach much, just little things, but were gonna teach him the Plan Der Erlösung (Plan of salvation) next time... but all in all it was a great appointment and he is really making progress even through all of his challenges!

 Man this email just sounds depressing! haha and Im not a depressing person lol but thats literally all I got... NOt much happens on the mission when your sick! lol but thanks for all the support and prayers! I hope everythings good and home, and yeah Bis Dann! (Till Next time)

Schöne Woche

Tschüß

Elder Popp

Wolfert Family

Dear Parents,

yesterday we had your sons in our family for lunch.

We spend a nice time together and where talking about many things.

Elder Popp serving in Minden was here in Stadthagen for exchange.

He stand in our home together with Elder Blauer.

We noticed from Elder Popp that he knows the Hertado family, living in Las Vegas too. Best greetings to this family, we know also, when Brother Hertado stands near Stadthagen in the US army in Hess. Oldendorf.

He belonges to our ward at this time. I remember at a nice and lovely family.

I think you will enjoy this small message and the pictures from your sons.

kindly regards from Germany

from K. Heinz Wolfert family 

Yabba Dabba Doo!

Hey Everyone!

 Well sorry about no email last week.. My comp was pretty much, handicapped till thursday night... So Monday to thursday, we were in the apartment. haha Fun right? Not! haha I about jumped out our window, I was so bored! lol. As for my companion he is doing better, he was having severe panic attacks and hyperventilating alot... most of his sickness was mental... It was kinda weird ill have to admit, but the Mission doctor and sister pimentel talked with him alot on the phone and now he is doing alot better... I told him all were gonna do is chumming ( giving out pass along cards) so he can just relax but also feel like he is getting something done... This weekend we gave out over 2 thousand of them haha it was pretty cool..

Sunday was so cool though! We had 4 people at church! Man I was so happy, I wanted to be like scooby doo and scream Yabba Dabba Doo! haha We had a lady show up, her name is Lina Maier, she is from Nigeria and she absolutely loves our church! It was so cool, she told me she has visited every church and this one is the one that feels right...She was practically dancing at the end of the meeting! haha and then she asked me and a member to give her a blessing for strength so she could stay in the church and what not.. so we did that, and we have an appointment with her on Tuesday and will definitely give her a baptismal date for the beginning of march! Im so excited, and she is so cool and just ready... Its so nice when people are just ready! haha Then after church we had to drive an hour outside of minden to get to a members house, and they stuffed us full of food... seriously I thought my belly was just gonna pop! haha I swear you cant tell a german you dont want anymore food, they dont care, your eating all of it... and they eat like 3 bites and are like, Elders its all yours...Then I have to say a prayer that i wont die! haha Oh The Fun experiences of mission! hahah

Well thats all for this week, I hope everything is well at home.. Next week should be awesome! haha

Bis Dann, Tschüß!

Elder Popp

Pic: Here is a picture of a huge chips bag, members brought us! haha

The Unexpected!

Hey everyone!

 Well this week was great we got quite alot done and things are really starting to pick up speed here in Minden... My luck right when I might be out of this city next tuesday!..Oh well thats life..

 So On Tuesday, we helped a member literally remodel her apartment haha this is also the same lady we helped move her in when I first came to Minden.. She decided she was tired of sitting on the floor so she bought like every piece of furniture you could imagine to fill up her apartment haha, So let me explain to you the german thought process of doing work.... First we get together make a plan, then take a break for tea.... then we put together a couple chairs, then another break for tea, then we do something else, and break for tea... so on a so forth... Well I was tired of the german method so we did it the american way and put everything together from couches to tables to chairs to cabinets to coffee tables, i mean you name it in like 3 hours..Then drank tea afterwards haha Now if we would of done it the other way it wouldv been like 8 hours...They were shocked how fast we moved haha It was pretty funny..

 Wednesday we had Zone Conference in Hannover.. It was actually pretty good, usually im like, does this meeting ever end? haha but there was actually some pretty good talks I was impressed, so that was way cool...and yeah everything after that is a blank to me, I dont know why I cant remember haha Probably because there is this lady in front of me speaking some weird clicking language really loud..  Meine Gute!

Thursday wasnt too interresting, I just made calls to investigators to make appointments out and what not, Iv become pretty good and convincing people to let us over.. At first I was terrified to speak on the phone.. I swear, I remember my first phone call to someone... It was like I never had used a phone in my life... they said hello... they i gave the awkward.. hello? back haha and just stared at the phone wondering why someone was speaking german through it... haha and they ask who it is, then i just repeat back to them the same question... it was pretty funny haha should of recorded it... but, Now im the master! and most of the time i find myself joking with people on the phone for like 5-10 minutes haha im like whoops, the bills for the mission are gonna be going up! lol

Friday we went to the funneral for Sch.Riechmann... It was just like a funeral back home except the dont do the ceremony in the church.. It was really nice, and we even met someone there that we went and visited on Saturday.. But she didnt have to much interest just wanted us to move a fridge for her, but she fed us cake! Das Kann Gar Nicht Schief Gehen! haha

Sunday Was the sweetest sunday ever! We went to church and a investigator showed up! His name is Herr Von Bieren! He is pretty cool.. I called him up and invited him to come to a bible study class for wednesday night and he actually went! ( We werent there)... But he went and then came to church on sunday.. He seem to really enjoy it and then the bishop invited us and him to have dinner with them.. so we went and had dinner and played games... It was such a great sunday! and it was so Unexpected.. I thought it was just gonna be another boring ol' Sunday (oops did I say that)... I mean a wonderful sunday haha  and all of the lesson during church were about the Book of mormon and everything! It fit so perfect.. So we got him moving in the right direction!

Well thats it for me this week! Im a lil tired but im still chugging along! and its stinking cold! everything is just frozen, because its so humid here and its -5°C here! Oh yeah it was sweet, this member family here they gave me a sweet Nike Coat to go over my suit! Man its so nice and warm! I love it and them of coarse! haha

Well I hope you all have a great week!
Bis Dann!
Tschüß
Elder Popp