E-mail: January 4, 2010

I have written a few times about the work here... but I just wanted to write a little bit of a summary about the whole area here and how things go....

We travel every 3-5 days, from one area to another and try hard to keep up with everyone we teach. It works alright and we love it very much.

We get to see and to know a lot of people and try hard to help them find the truth about the Lords restored gospel on the earth today.

Iron Mountain is definitely the area with the most work right now and we love it there.
People come up to us and just say, that they want to be baptized... how great is THAT!?!?!
Iron Mountain has been prepared for this, for sure! The members really want to do their part and try hard to help us.

In all three areas, we are staying with members.

Marinette – The Scotts
President Scott is the Branch President in Marinette and just in the beginning of this transfer we moved in with them, from an apartment that the church owned before. Sr. Scott is German and it is nice to talk to her in German once in a while J. They have 3 daughters and 2 sons, of which only the sons, Aaron and Daniel still live with them. They are wonderful people and we love being with them.

Escanaba – The Schmidts
Sr. Schmidt is the BEST! she does everything for us. She is sooo very nice. Her Husband is the branch president in Escanaba and her son James (16) still lives there also.
Cool guy, whose best friend lives in Houston and goes to seminary with my cousin Lauren :) :D

Iron Mountain – The Lewis’
Brother and Sister Lewis are my 'Grandparents' :) here and so very nice. They love having the missionaries in their house and try to do anything for us. Br. Lewis is the Branch Mission leader and does a fabulous job at it. He tries to talk with us almost daily and does everything he can to support us with our investigators. It could not be better than that. It is an essential part to the work, that there is such a good relation between the missionaries and their leaders.

So…that is where we are staying…now about some few people we are teaching. I took the names out, but at least you can read a little bit about the things we do here.

In Marinette there is a 25 year old girl. She has come a looooong way already and really tries hard to do what is right. After overcoming a loooot of things…it is only Smoking that is still holding her back. She has come down from a package a day to ONE stinking cigarette a day, but THAT, she just doesn’t finish off. We have been trying so very hard to help her, and will keep doing so as much as we can.

Iron Mountain has a lot of great things happening.
There is a 9 year old boy,Tyler (name ok here), whose father is Inactive. The dad knows the Church is true, but has a long story of different things happening, that prevent him from coming to church. As we worked with Tyler, his dad himself made a lot of progress and started to have the desire to return to the church and support his son. At the baptism service for Tyler, he offered the closing prayer. It was so wonderful to see the progress he has made, just in these last months. He will be a wonderful dad.

Then there is another couple that we are teaching. LONG story. But short: They were contacted at the delivery of a bible, which they had requested over the internet,said, they would like to be taught more. IN that process, a lot happened. One night, (2 days after I came out J ) we helped them move out their stuff, from their apartment. Their landlord wanted to redo the carpeting in there. The next day, when they wanted to see how things are and when they could move their stuff back in, she was told that they are thrown out and the locks have been changed. CRAZY.!!!! … They were devastated and called us. We went there, talked to them and gave them both a blessing. They were comforted and we talked to them a little more about trials and the good they can bring us.
They understood and changed their attitude about it, by wanting to change their lives to the better. It has been marvelous to see the changes they have made.
Now, they both have jobs again and a place to stay. Family Home Evening is being held regularly in their home and if work allows it, they always come to church.
She is just waiting for her divorce papers to come through, so they can get married and baptized. A wonderful day it will be. I look forward to it…

There are more people… but to write about all of them, would take a looong time. To know… the work here is amazing and the people wonderful. I love serving here and wish I could stay the whole 2 years.
But anyways…it’s the Lord’s work. I will do, as he calls! I am very grateful to be here and will do my best at all times to live up to the responsibility.
Thanks to everyone. I miss you all and hope everyone is doing good. Bye

Email: December 7, 2009

so... another week!!!! MY FIRST TRANSFER COMPLETE :) (16 to go :) )
work is going great!!! but wow... financial crisis. it is crazy. Unemployement...puuh...it is the worst here. Like...every second person is unemployed...for sure. It is CRAZY. But we try to help the people to get through that, by showing them, that if they trust in the Lord it will always work out. and we HAVE seen many miracles already.

One time, there was a younger couple that was moving out their furniture for their landlord, so he could renew the carpet in their appartement. The next morning, wanting to move things back in, the were told, they have been evicted..... wow....that was so crazy...

a lot to go through....but...now....we have been teaching them and they have started to rely on their savior. Now they both have jobs and a decent appartement. They both want to get baptized and married, as soon as her divorce papers are through. They are good people. it is an amazing story.

I am so happy for the chance we have been given to help the people around us with the truths we have been given.
We have something amazing to share! And that is EXACTLY what we all need to do. SHARE!
Thanks, to everyone for all the support I get. I miss you and think about you a lot. Take good care,... until we meet again!

Pictures: November 30, 2009

Campfire with the Scotts and one of their neighbors, for Family Home Evening.

President and Sister Scott (the branch president in Merinette)

Elder Cottle at the campfire.

I love the decorations here.

People just started decorating. I bet it is going to get even better.

Email: November 30, 2009

Wow, soooo much is happening. It is CRAAAAAAZY! I love it :)
Elder Cottle and I are getting along great and have a lot of fun together.
Man, am I glad we have a truck with four-wheel drive :)
One time he wanted to turn around on the street and went a little bit into the high grass on the side of the street. We got stuck in swampy ground. but... ONE click on the big 4- button .... and OUT we were :) it was funny.

and the work...wow...the work... it is amazing. We see sooo much success. As we both try to be better personally and also to each other, daily... we also see the many blessings, that come from it.
We knock on doors and people just say: "oh...i already have my beliefs...but...hey...sure, I will learn more!"
Progress is being made so much, and we get to be the tools for it. I am so grateful for that opportunity. I learn so much and grow closer to my savior Jesus Christ, daily.

We have 4 baptism dates at the moment. one on the 13th of december, 2 on the 19th and 1 on the 26th.
It truly is going to be a white christmas :):) i love it.
BUT I am glad that elder cottle was asked to do the one on the 26th. The investigator wants to be baptized in a river.... CRAAAAAZY... it is already freezing cold here and it is getting colder daily... well.... faith and it will be fine!

so, that's about it :) thanks to everyone that I know and for the support I receive.
BUT...let me say just one more things. there is not much, that is nicer, than a letter in the mailbox in the morning.
I love emails, but letters are just simply better. :D:D

November 24, 2009 Pictures

Lake Superior! Those blue skies...exactly like that everyday! Except today actually. The first time it rains on me is today :) I love it!

Me at the Lake

Me attempting a major bubble! :) Why do we fall...TO TRY AGAIN. (See the following picture)

OOOOOOOOOOOOOH YEAH!!!!!!

Elder Cottle and me on the way to an appointment :) Yeah, we are cool.

Email: November 23, 2009

I am really happy here!!! It is exciting times for sure! We have a lot of work to do here, but a looot of success!!!!

We just had some baptisms on Saturday!! A whole family, except the youngest is just turning 8 in April! It was really special. I got to baptize one of the boys. I love that family. Darlene and Howard Brault. They married THAT day. And Darlene's kids Bryce and Destine (Schuh, their last name) and then Ashley, the youngest. The wedding and the baptism were simply amazing!! I LOVE THIS WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is so wonderful, to see people change their lives and grow closer to our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ!!!

I am priviledged to be a part in this and to be a tool in the hands of the Lord! I am doing my best to live up to the responsibility.

We have 3 more baptism dates that are all solid. So hopefully, I will be able to tell you more about it soon:) I am grateful to see this work progress. I love the work and I love my Savior. I know that this church is the one true church and that we can enjoy the FULNESS of the gospel within it. Let us ALL be beacons unto the people. If WE don't share the light, who will!?!?!?!?! Let's fulfill our purpose and invite others to come unto Christ!!!

OH MY...I am so happy! I am really learning alot. No day, without some experience!

Oh and please get the letter business going. I like emails, but...well...letters are even better! I haven't recieved ONE letter yet, except one. :(

I love you all very much and thank everyone for the support I recieve Take good care.

Love, Elder Dautel

The Brault Family in front of the church.

Elder Cottle, Robby and the Brault Family, with Brother Lewis (who Robby and his companion live with)

The little boy Robby baptized...Destin Schuh.

November 2nd Email

HEY!!! WOW.... the missionfield! it is CRAZY!My companion Elder Cottle and I, are responsible for 3 different areas! Merinette, Iron Mountain and Esconaba (Michigan). We travel from city to city every 3 days or so. It is crazy! BUT AWESOME! I love this place! It is cold....but wonderful :)I love the people and the work I get to do! Spiritual Experiences EVERY DAY! It never stops. My testimony is growing every day. I am happy to be RIGHT here, RIGHT now!My companion and trainer is the best guy ever! Elder Cottle (from Brigham City, Utah) and I get along very well... and we have a lot of good fun. Every day is a chance for us to get better. we try our best and see the success.

I know why I am here, and am grateful for it. This is the lords work and I am part of it. I will do my best to live up to it!!!!! Thanks to ALL that support me. I think of all of you and pray for you. The lord watches over all of us. Always. Never forget!

October 26, 2009 Snail Mail

Out of the MTC!!! This morning, I got up at 3:30 to get ready to leave for Wisconsin!! It is exciting, yet intimidating!! I love the Lord's work and am proud, to be a part of it!! But it is a huge step, once again!!! But ALSO, I am ready for it. THIS is what I was prepared for, for 19 years! THI is my test! And I will NOT fail it!! I am proud, to have come here!! I miss you all very much, but know why I am here!!

The journey here was interesting! At first, we flew from SLC to Cinncinati, Ohio! We were 9 elders going to Milwaukee & 2 Elders and a Sister going to Montreal. Sister Lindsey was that sister. We had a wonderful talk & I was really happy to see, how much better she was doing! I am glad, that I was able to hlep her.

THEN, in Cinncinati, we split up, to our final destinations! Once in Milwaukee, I was happy to get off that plane! The elders I went with are great, but sitting for several hours straight, is NOT comfortable!! :D...

Well, we were picked up at the airport in Milwaukee and went straight to the Mission office!! There, after we took care of a few things, we discussed car-use & finances! And then, off to the Mission home! Dinner, ping-pong :) and interviews! Also, we had a really nice testimony meeting! After that, we there went to sleep!

Wisconsin is very much like Germany, just more Rain. :)

I love you all very much, take good care!

Love, Elder Robert Dautel

October Snail Mail

Sunday October 18, 2009

Dear Family,

After the e-mails I sent, I thought I could write you a letter as well!

I miss all of you SO much! There are moments, when I wish I could just be home and hold one of the girls on my arm! Of course I am happy to be here. I know why I am here and love it. Just sometimes it is hard.

But, I am learning so much here, it is amazing! Doctrine of the Gospel but also personally!

After the first few days here, I was assigned a companion. His name is Comp 1. It was SO hard for me. He acted like he knew everything, didn’t want to listen to anyone and always interrupted others, as if it was less important, what others would want to say. And then there were the general cultural difficulties & differences. So…as I said it really wasn’t easy.

Then, I had another Companion at the same time, Comp 2! He is very nice…but so shy. His American language skills were not the best, nor was his self confidence. So, us there being together was quite frustrating! I decided pretty quickly for myself, that it was not my job to change them and tried to ignore the problems and to just enjoy my time here…Well, that wasn’t as it sounded!!!

Last Sunday evening there was a major discussion between my two companions and when I noticed it, I decided, that we should talk to our Branch President. (Like a “miniature” mission president, for the MTC)

Basically all they told u, was to think about what Christ would want us to do. Of course that wasn’t exactly that, what I wanted to hear in that moment. All three of us wanted a change of companionship. It was VERY frustrating. But we accepted the decision, that we should just work it out. A few days later, it was decided, that Comp 2 should be transferred into another class, because he needs more language training. That took some frustration away. I liked (like) him, but still it was good, because he could learn the way it was best for him…and also there was less bad feelings in all of us. Still though everything was really hard for me. I was as nice as I could be! I answered EVERY question Comp 1 had. Whether it was disturbing me in doing something…or not. There were no more fights or discussions, but inside, frustration was building and building. I could not feel the Spirit as I should anymore. Then, on Thursday afternoon, we had a class about patience!

“Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering WITHOUT becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious…Patience is related to hope and faith—you must wait for the Lord’s promised blessing to be fulfilled.”

(Preach My Gospel, pg.120)

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are NOT WORTHY to be compared with the glory, which shall be revealed in us!”

(Romans 8:18)

In that class that day, I figured some major things out. It is not about “making it through”!!! Rather “Come what may & loving it”! Heavenly Father knows what is best for us! Always! He loves us, so much. He would NEVER let anything happen to us, of which there is nothing to be learned. We NEED to have faith in his promises.

Now, I do not know, what exactly Heavenly Father’s intention was, by having me be companions with Comp 1. But I know there is a reason. I have learned much from it already. We get along great now. It is NOT perfect. But we try our best to make it that way. That is what counts! “Trust, and God will provide!”

I really hope, that everything is going well at home. I miss you very much. But, know that I am happy! There is no where else on earth, where I would rather be. I am looking forward to invite others to come unto Christ! Show other the way to find the same joy I have had. To see the unending love of Christ, which I have seen and see continuously. And to know the truth about this life and the life to come. I truly love my Savior Jesus Christ. He is my brother, friend and Redeemer. I am proud to carry His name and to speak for Him to the people in Wisconsin. I love my life, which He has given me, with all the blessings and also the challenges. For I see now, that they are ALL only fro one reason. To make ME stronger and to prepare me to meet my Creator some day. And to have me ready to be with my family for all Eternity. With the family I have now, and that I love so very dearly! And the family I will have in the time to come. I am grateful fro the things I can know to be truth. I am grateful for each and every one of you. For the help you have always given me and for he unconditional love I received daily. I don’t know and I don’t WANT to know, where I would be, if you would have given up on me. I am here now and love it. I will make you proud and I will make Heavenly Fahter proud. I love my Savior and know that He died for me. His reaching arms are meant for me. And for everyone else that looks upon Him with faith. That is why I am here. To open eyes with the Lord’s support.

Again, I hope that everything is well! I hope you all are happy. “Men are to have Joy”! I have found that to be true!!! All is hot God has planned it. NO NEED to know more!!

I love you all very much and miss you.

Take care and be happy!!!

I will try to write again soon! If you want to write to me, then remember I am leaving here, tomorrow in a week! So, depending on when you answer me, it would be, that I am already in Wisconsin! I hope to hear from you.

Love you,

Elder Robby Dautel (aka Robber J)

MTC Snail Mail

We got a letter in the mail from Robby this week. In it were some pictures too. For those of you who don't want to read the letter I put the pictures up first.
From Left: Elder Morin, Elder Leclerc & I--best friends

No comment :)

Love Elder Leclerc's face :)

Elder Leclerc & I

YES!!! I DID lose weight here!!! :)

Remind you of something, Dad? You are right!

Me: "Punch-Pow"

Him:"HaHaHa"

Always keep your distance, right? :) It wasn't intended like that, actually! :) :)

This is it!!!!!!!

Alright,... In no more than 3 hours, I will enter the MTC.
I admit, I am nervous and sad. I wish I had another week here, to see more of my family and friends! But it is the right thing to do and will do this. I will trust in the lord and do what is asked of me. If I do my best and put my heart in this work,... I know I will not regret it, but will be blessed immensly! These 2 years are going to be the time of my life, so far! But only if I make it that way. I intend to do so. I love my heavenly father and know that he loves me also. I will make him and everyone else I know and love proud. I am glad, to have the support of so many. My family in germany. My family here in the US, which is getting bigger and bigger. And all the many friends, wherever they may be. It actually shouldn't be thaaaaat hard for me to go, right?
I can feel the comfort and the love and that is what will help me to ALWAYS stay focused and enthusiastic. I will do this right. And I will return with honor!
Take good care everyone, I will pray for you.

Good-byes

Last Wednesday Robby left for Utah. Ray worked out for him to go a week early to see family. Rike managed to get the tickets to conference too. I am jealous. I hope that Rike is able to send me some pictures of their adventures so I can put them on here.

He looks so missionary-like! Wow!!

I think it was hard for him to say good-bye to the girls. Since he had to be at the airport so early we said good-bye the night before and let the girls sleep the next morning. I am not sure they really comprehend what is going on.

I love the retro looking boards they have in the airports and train stations here. This one is actual more electrical than a lot of the places. Most still have the little flippy things. I love it.

Saying good-bye is never easy.

Setting Apart

Robby was set apart the night before he left for America. Our Stake President did the setting apart.

Ray and Jared assisted in the setting apart. Too bad Richy could be in the circle also and that Rike was there to be with us.

Ray and Beate are so proud. All of their sons have gone on missions now.

Jared was sick that day so he stayed behind with the girls. Just before we started he surprised us by coming, with girls in tow. The poor guy had to iron dresses and do hair all by himself. He just knew how important it was to Robby that he was there. He tried to stay away from everyone as much as possible.

Robby's friends, Elijah and Daniel Fahl, even came.

I like to think of this as the 2 Stooges.

Final Sunday

On Robby's final Sunday at home he had the opportunity to speak in sacrament meeting. So did Beate. After the church meetings we had a get-together with friends and family. Of course there was tons of food...as seen below.

Tons of conversation, laughter and fun...

...and even the kids had fun watching a Mary Poppins.

Temple

Since Robby's departure date was so soon we had to rush to get him an appointment at the temple for his endownments. Since we are running low on babysitters. I stayed home with the girls and Jared went. It was really important to Robby that Jared be there. Richy and Rike sure were missed. It would have been great to have them there too.

I think it is great that Robby was able to go to the Provo MTC, because they go to the temple each week. I think it is good to be able to go so often after the first time.

Ray and Beate were so proud of him. This means that all of their children has been through the temple now. That is proof of how wonderfully and faithfully they have taught their children.

Our friend, Uwe, was able to make it to the temple also. It meant a lot to Robby to have him there. I haven't quite been able to figure out whose hand that is holding his waist.

Of course, once Jared gets in the pictures the silliness starts. That is why I married him.

Are they looking for poop on Uwe's shoes? He sure looks guilty.

This one is my absolute favorite. How ironic is it that Robby is the one that got his head chopped out of the pictures.