Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Email: January 24, 2011

Hey Hey everyone,

a great week it has been, with a great ending.

Saturday evening, we had a baptism. Aurora, the girl I told you about last week, was baptized (by me). It was great to do that and to see the parents as it went through. Both were crying and told me after the baptism how grateful they were for me and ELder Whitlock and for what we have done for them.
They have the goal to get sealed now and want to do everything necessary for that.
It is great to see the change they have gone through in the last 2 months. I am glad I was allowed to be a part of that.

Other than that, things are going great, still. Elder Whitlock and I are doing great and the area is awesome! :)

well... I guess that is really it... :)

HOw are things at home (wherever that is for you :) )

I hope you all know that I love you very much and I hope you have a great week!

love you all very much,

Elder Dautel

Monday, January 3, 2011

Email: January 3, 2011

Hey Everyone,

How are things in germany? still a lot of snow? how was new year's?

Here, things are going well. Holidays made things a little slower, because everyone is busy, but that is quite alright. We are now back on track and it's going great. We have several appointments this week, mostly with members and their friends, which is what we have been working for very hard, the last 4 months and have been waiting for.
So, prayers, everything going well, would be appreciated.

Other than that, there really isn't to much to tell.
I have been feeling a little sick the last few days and hope it won't get any worse, but it should be ok. :)

that's about it. Love you all very much and have a great week.

until next time,

much love,

Elder Dautel

Pictures: January 3, 2011

Sunset Blue Mounds: looked like that for about 30 seconds...was amazing!!!

Schultz and Me: probably the best missionary I have met on my mission

Remember That: exactly that...ALWAYS remember that!!

P-day B-ball: where we play basketball every p-dayat the stake center (the building I to every Sunday). It is sweet!

My District: Monroe Elders were missing...but still liked the picture.

Madison Lake Monona: can't remember if I already sent you that...but anyways...I love that picture!!

Haines, Carlos, and Me: me and my companion with Carlos and his newborn baby brother (born about 1/2 hour earlier). We were waiting with him.

Elder Whitlock: a very flattering picture of my current companion.

Cloooose Call: man! That would have gotten interesting.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Email: November 29, 2010

here in madison, we had a good week. slower week, but good week!
Thanksgiving was AWESOME!!!!!! Sweet dinner, going to see christmas lights and then seeing people standing outside of stores for next days black friday sales!!! pretty funny...

Elder Haines and I are still loving life here and getting along wonderfully! Work is, as said, a little slower these days, but still keeping us pretty busy...so no complaints there! :)
Christmas time is coming up, so everything is getting pretty busy in town (ironic...) and people are starting to prepare for the holidays! Also...people are getting nicer as well. So, that is nice! :)

other than that...not much to tell. Life is good! Church is true! 4 more weeks until christmas (and my 2nd last call home)...nothing more to say and nothing more to want :)

hope things are well at home and everybody is happy!

love you all VERY MUCH! hugs and kisses to everyone that wants them :) .... definitely to the girls though...

all the best

ELder Dautel

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Pictures: November 1, 2010

Elder Haines at a Farmer's Market, with a decent sized pumpkin :)

Me on my noble steed at the same Farmer's Market
Ryan Hillebrand and his son (a less active, part-menber family we work with). He and his wife took us to the Farmer's Market. AWESOME family!!

Yeah, this "cracked" me up! :D

Me and my district, in my old area, for district meeting (close to Prairie du chien, right across the Mississippi)

Elder Haines needed to pee so bad...and then that sign...SO FUNNY!

I love Halloween in the States.

No words! :)

Close call :)

Me and Elder Haines at the Chicago Temple! I LOOVE the temple!

Sunset over the little valley in which I live with a member of our ward!

I just LOVE the Wisconsin sunsets! AMAZING!

Email: November 1, 2010

hey everyone,

here an update on things here in madison, wisconsin!!!! YEAAAAH :)

i love madison! it is SAAAAWWEEEEEET! :) things are finally picking up, after a few weeks, of hard work on elder haines' and my part, and we are starting to see results in the attitude of the members and also directly with some of the people we found!
We are working with a few people, but especially to be mentioned is Carlos, an 18 year old, from Costa Rice, from a part member family here in the ward! He is awesome! One of the nicest guys I have EVER met and very spiritual to begin with. After a little while of fellowshipping, we have finally made it to the point, that we can teach him. So, we will! :) Prayers for him, will be appreciated a lot! Thanks...

other than that, as said, we are working hard!
ELder Haines, is AWESOME! I love that guy a lot and we are having a lot of fun together! it is way sweet!!!!!
well....other than that....not much to say. Being a district leader is interesting... :) more worrieng, more planning, more traveling :0... so... it is AWESOME :) love it :D:D:D

well... i think that's it!

Love you all very much,

ELder Dautel

Monday, October 4, 2010

Email: October 4, 2010

hey everyone,

here an update. In german, since I wrote it to mom first and copy it in now.

hier, in madison gefaellts mir gut. N bisschen crazy. Ich komm am mittwoch an und hoer dann, dass wir am naechsten abend von der familie ausziehen sollen, bei der die missionare fuer 1 jahr gelebt haben. und dann ging alles drunter und drueber und wir wurden n ein kleines kaff geschickt, dass 30 kilometer ausserhalb von madison liegt... vieles ist momentan in besprechung ueber das ganze thema... aber naj a... wenn wir genug meilen zur verfuegung gestellt bekommen, dann geht das schon in ordnung...

mein mitarbeiter ist super und die mitglieder auch.
Das gebiet ist ein bisschen schwerer.... momentan ist hier gar nichts los. President Jones (missionspraesident) erwartet von mir, dass ich hier n bisschen schwung in den distrikt bringe ... also schon n bisschen was das vor mir liegt. Aber das machen wir schon. Das kriegen wir hin :)

Ich hab ein auto. Ein haessliches auto (roter toyota corrola :_)) aber ich will mich nciht beschweren. Im winter werd ich dafuer dankbar sein :)... nein, es ist wirklcih nich so schlimm :) ich bin froh darueber. Vor allem als distriktsleiter brauch ich das, wegen den exchanges mit den anderen missionaren in meinem distrikt....also...ein segen :)
...
Generalkonferenz war der HAMMER... ich fands einfach inspirierend. Ein bisschen ueberraschend... :) Ich hab noch nie einen Propheten singen gehoert (pres. Monson)...
das war nicht schlecht :)

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Email: September 27, 2010

this week is transfer week and I am leaving, as well as my companion.

End of training it is. Three interesting months it has been, with many ups and downs. I am glad to have had the experience and the many things it has taught me. Elder Day has a lot to learn and to realize, but I know he will. He is a good man and missionary.

On wednesday, I will leave for the other big city here in wisconsin, Madison. There, I will be a district leader, which will be interesting, but I AM excited, because Prairie du Chien (my last area) will be in my district, which will give me the chance to go there once in a while. NICE! :) So yeah, it will be interesting, but I will try my best to put the things I learned while training, into practice. I am excited for something new.

THough I am sad to leave here. The members are awesome and I got close to quite a few actually. Sunday was hard, to say goodbye, today being harder, as we have dinner with 2 of the greatest families I have met in my life. They have done a lot for me and I will miss them. But.. the lord called me here and he also called me to madison. SO, that is what I will do. Happily.

I.. love my mission and simply can't believe it's already been a year (next week)... WEIRD.... so, I better make that little bit of time count, that I have left!>... :)

well... I love you all very much and thank you, for everything you do and have done for me.

Love you,
ELder Dautel

Email: September 20, 2010

wow.... Time goes by like crazy! I have already been in the city of Milwaukee for almost exactly 4 months! It sure does not feel like that. But well, it is true and transfers are coming up soon. So, let's see what will happen. More for me to do here, or is there something new the lord wants me to do in another place of his vineyard? Saturday we will hear.

Lot has happened to me in this city. I came and struggled, with people and places. Things became rather hard for me. But then, it changed, because of the loving care of my mission president (who by now is back in utah and we have a new one now). I learned to love my mission for what it is and to be grateful for the many blessings i do have in my life.

After that beginning period here, I was allowed to train a new missionary, who was eager to work and helped me to regain my focus.

Of all that time, I have already given some updates before and now things here in the city might come to an end for me and I am learning to appreciate it more and more, every day.

Our efforts are strong and fruits of our labors are visible, though maybe slowly coming. The members of the branch are marvelous and we love working with them, especially as they are starting to love working with us.

This last week we were privileged to teach the friends of the McAllisters, a family that has become very dear friends to me, throughout the last few months. They are examples of faith and love and have helped me a lot. I was so grateful for the chance to teach their friends and to show our appreciation for the gospel to them. Things are developing and coming along with them. They were prepared for our message and are working with the McAllisters now for future meetings. Good things to come.

Other than that, things are just going and going... :)

I just love being here and enjoy every minute of it. I am glad I have the chance to do this.
Thanks, for all the prayers that are being offered for me. I feel them and appreciate them a lot.

I hope things go well for all of you and wish you all the best. Take care.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Email: August 30, 2010

hey everyone,

here is a little story of an incident, that took place yesterday! I needed to give an account to President Jones... so I will just copy that..
It is a strong testimony builder, of the fact, that heavenly Father watches over us!...
though he can not influence others agency, he helps us, not get ourselves in more dangerous situations! I am glad he controlled my emotions!!!!!

Sunday, August 29th 2010 Milwaukee, WIsconsin

Elder Privett and I (Elder Robert Dautel) were on a short exchange, so I could show him something in the area and then headed to some Less Actives/Recent Converts, to meet up with our companions there. Then, as we were walking from the Bus stop to the mentioned home, we walked past 3 younger black guys (guess is about 25 years old, at the intersection of N 25th street and W Concordia Avenue in Milwaukee).

As we always do, we said 'how is it going', while walking by (usually happily received and answered by the addressed people). Then one of the guys looked at me and asked "what did you say, fool?" and I repeated again "how is it going man?"... then, out of nowhere and completely unexpected the man punches me with full charge on the right side of my face, right on the jaw....

Still standing, Elder Privett and I simply walked away, without another word or action. Had I gone down, or reacted right then and there, more would have most likely happened. I am grateful, for the ability given, to just walk away. The guys followed us for a few steps and then stopped, as we continued walking directly to our appointment.

After that appointment, as we walked back, toward the bus, two police officers approached us and said, they had been called about the incident. We told them, that no one was hurt and that we would be ok... After that, we continued on with our day, heading toward our apartment, for Dinner.

I can not even tell you how glad I am to be alive right now!... Easily things could have escalated, not knowing what those kids were on, and what drove them to do this...

I am completely fine, so no worries....but still crazy...

THough we will avoid that specific area now for a while, I am still excited to be here and to help the people in the area. They need it and if it is not us helping... who will!?

I am grateful for the chance I have to be here!!!! It IS a marvelous work and a wonder!!!!!! And we are all privileged to be part of it!

Thank you all, for all your prayers!... I feel them more now than ever!

Love you very much,
Elder Dautel

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Email: July 26, 2010

today is finally a day, where I have a liiiittle more time, than usual... so I will try to send you an email with a better update than usual! :)

It was a wonderful week!!!

Yesterday I had the chance to go to German fest here in milwaukee!
it was not as authentic as it could have been, but it was still aweeeeeesome! I loved it!
the smell of Beer & Brats, mixed with roasted almonds... wonderful :)
and then all the dirndls and lederhosen everywhere :D:D:
it was pretty fun!
the church ran a family history booth there and the missionaries where there to help out!
We got a looooot of invites in and taught 6 lessons in 5 hours! it was way sweet!
I will include some pictures about it all... OH YEAH... and the fireworks were AMAZING!... SO SWEET!

then... we are going to be moving out of our current apartment!... I can't even tell you how excited I am about that!
from the middle of the ghetto to a much nicer area, with members of our branch, as out managers!! so nice!
the moving is going to be this week, ending on saturday! like I said, I am WAY excited!

then... we had a HUGE storm this week! It was intense! Some streets were flooded.... mud slides etc....
it was quite intense!
We had an appointment with a member, for dinner and arrived 10 minutes early!
2 minutes after that... it just started crashing DOWN like crazy.... BLESSING! :)

uhm.....other than that... nothing TOOOO much happened!

I enjoy working with my Greenie, Elder Day... and we work hard!
It is going quite well!

well... I can't think of anything else to write....
so, I hope things are going well for everyone and you are all enjoying, what you have left of your summer :)

I love you all very much and miss you

love,
Elder Dautel

The Flooding:


The most Funny sign I have ever seen!!! No "cruising"...:)
Me getting hurt, by hitting my head on a metal lamp in our hallway:)
A Ghetto Cruiser, as they are called here :0

The Summer Fest:











Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Email: July 19, 2010

alright... here a little mail about life here in Milwaukee :)

almost 2 weeks of training are over and it sure is interesting... BUT...sweet! Elder Day is a cool guy and likes to work hard... SO... we get along very well!
AND he likes to cook!...SO..... i get a little break from just Top Ramen and Mac & Cheese :)

Something SWEET!....

Last week monday (after emailing), they were filming parts of Transformers 3, here in Milwaukee!
Elder Love...from Logan, Utah. My District Leader here and a very, very good friend.


Me.... tan and muscular!!! I have lost 15 pounds, since I am here in the city, walking everywhere and have been working out a loooot....so.... SAAAAWEEEEEEEET! :)

other than that... not much to say.. things are well and the weather is HOT and HUMID!... like 200% humidity :)

well,
hope things are well and everyone is doing ok

love you all very much,
ELder Dautel

Friday, July 9, 2010

Email June 08, 2010

Hey everyone,

an eventfull week and a half it has been!....We have a new mission president.... President Jones, from Monroe, Utah!

I like him a lot! He is not a President Barrett, who will always have a very, very special place in my heart and memory, for all the things he has shown and taught me.... but President Jones is a good man that really is trying hard, to lead us well! We try our best, to support him and help him out in any way possible!

My new companion, Elder Day, from West-Jordan, Utay, is a really cool guy! Green :) but soooo ready to work. We already enjoy our time together and get along wonderfully! He is very open for new things and has the best intentions... it will be a good transfer!!!!! other than that... not thaaaaat much to tell...

I am sending a few pictures though....so... here, some explanations...

Here, downtown milwaukee, there is a loooooot of black people :) (Pretty much all we teach!) they like bling.... so...there is one store, where they sell really cheap but nice looking watches :)... only a few bucks apiece so, I couldn't resist :):):)









Elder Zobell ( my last companion)...after a streetball game in the middle of a street, that some black kids challenged us to! We got a looot of invites from it! ( I didn't look much better, except that my shirt was still tucked in, but just as dirty:) )












yeah...like I said!...i couldn't resist! We actually get invites, just because of those watches!! :)
















me and elder tolman on exchanges at a dinner appointment at the beach! sure was fun!








me and brother Rauch: Brother Rauch is a member in the branch. His wife was putting their daughter to bed, when we had to leave..... they moved a day later....


patriotic: just liked it! :)


posterity: alright... who trained who!:....

in order: Elder Villanueva, Elder Cluff, Elder Sharrah, Elder Cottle, me..., Elder Pfleger, Elder Redd, Elder Day, Elder Stevenson, Elder Moore

Elder Villanueva

Elder Cluff Elder Sharrah

Elder Cottle Elder Redd Elder Moore

(1stborn) (2ndborn) :)

Elder Dautel Elder Pfleger

Elder Day Elder Stevenson

so....yeah... lot's of family here :):):)


well....hope you like the pictures... Hope things are well at home...and I am looking forward to the package for my birthday! :):):) Just make sure you don't soak it in perfume again... I still get comments on that :):):)

love you all very much

take care,

Elder Dautel