Puppy surgery and proselyting

Dear family and friends,

About a year before I left on my mission, I recall a conversation I had with my cousins, Rob and Braden. They are much older than me and have also served missions in exotic places. They were convinced that I would be called to serve in a place where I'd need to face my fear of spiders and insects. They were trying to scare me by showing me pictures of the "Camel spider" and other frightening spiders. This memory came back to me when I saw something much more frightening than the Camel spider. Up in the corner of an old shack was a large black spider with bright yellow legs. It was easily bigger than my hand! That's not even the scariest part... It had a small rodent!!! Ah!! Way worse than any Camel spider haha! Africa is truly jaw dropping! Thankfully... I also remember Braden and Rob assuring me that the Lord will replace my fears with comfort as a result to my willingness to serve diligently. They were right! It's insane how much I've been able to endure regardless of my arachnophobia haha!

We are getting into dry season and my gosh it is hot! While it's getting chilly back home... It's only getting hotter over here. I miss the feeling of being cold and not consistently sweaty!

I went on exchanges with Elder Tamfumo from DRC. He is a great guy and such a good teacher. My area is doing good! Angel went with us to the General Woman's session last week. We later had a good lesson about living Prophets. I had to clarify that we don't worship Russell M Nelson... We honor and follow his direction. 

Okay this next part makes me upset... One of our dogs, Russell got really sick one day and Elder James noticed a large green bean looking thing in the dog's ear. With a pair of tweezers, we tried to remove it but couldn't. I was scared it was a growth but after closer inspection we realized it was a large tick. The other Elders wanted to pull the tick out but I proudly said, "No guys. I'm an Eagle scout and I have been taught to never pull a tick out. The head will stay and get infected. We need to poke the tick's butt with a burning needle. It will release and then we can remove it from the ear." Haha I probably looked like a nerd but it worked and I felt very proud. After we removed the 1st tick... We found 5 more!! The poor dog was loosing brain juice and we didn't even know it! Well after the surgery, we felt pretty cool about ourselves. But GUESS WHAT!? The mission office took the puppies!!! Ah I'm so upset!! I fought to keep them alive and I didn't even get to eat one!!! (Kidding totally kidding)

Not a whole lot to report this week! The work is great! Love you all! Thanks for your kind emails! 

Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger

We got puppies!!

Dear family and friends, 

Long story short: Due to the frequent robberies... The mission office gave us 2 guard dogs for our compound! They are just tiny and harmless puppies and by the time they are mean and aggressive... I'll be in another area. Ah! I'm so excited! We named one Russell (After our dear prophet) and one Doug (After our dear mission president) My buddies serving in the states have Facebook, smartphones, and washing machines but... We have puppies so it's pretty great over here!! These ones wont become a meal haha:)

I was able to go on exchanges with Elder Nahounou from Ivory Coast. He is hilarious and a great elder! He came to my area so once again... I was the leader for the day. It was by far the hottest day I've ever experienced! We went out and walked and walked and walked but in return... We only had one lesson. The entire day of walking in the hot sun only brought one person!!! The lesson was great but it was by far my least successful day. I was tired and discouraged.....

That night during my Book of Mormon study, I conveniently read in the book of Mosiah. I read about Abinadi where he tries his very hardest to convert King Noah and his people. The marvel of the story is that King Noah has Abinadi burned alive and shortly after... King Noah is also burned... Just as Abinadi had previously prophesied. Pretty amazing story but personally... The best part is how one of King Noah's priests named Alma listened to Abinadi's words and was converted. During my study I wondered, perhaps Abinadi was discouraged as he was burned. I'm sure he was in pain but perhaps he was also sorrowful that he gave his whole life and in the end made no difference. Well little did Abinadi know... He made a profound difference! As we know.. Alma went on to convert 204 people. Alma's son went on to convert countless people and Alma's grandsons continued the work. 2,167 years later, Abinadi's efforts are consistently recognized to this day. Perhaps he was discouraged just like I was but after reading his story... I was comforted. My negative attitude about my efforts then became a positive, uplifting, and motivating attitude. I learned a lot from this simple scripture experience. Every soul is great in the eyes of God. Great efforts produce great impacts. The most important is this: Applying stories from the Book of Mormon to your own life will eliminate discouragement and provide positive personal motivation.

Since a missionary's main tool is the Book of Mormon... I have experiences like these EVERY day. One of our faithful investigators is currently struggling to collect the funds for a marriage license and also obtain his birth certificate so he can be baptized. I recently felt strongly impressed to read with him the story of Nephi and the brass plates. Though it wasn't easy and required multiple life threatening attempts... Nephi didn't lose trust in the Lord. He gave his ALL to obey the commandments of the Lord. As a result, he accomplished the difficult and obtained the plates from the wicked King Laban. The lesson for this investigator: Do your very best and let the Lord take care of the rest! He even got a good rhyme out of it! I love the  Book of Mormon. I recently began holding it in my hand as I walk instead of keeping it in my bag. Allowing it to play a massive role in my life has brought me great joy! I know it's the true word of God written by ancient disciples for us... Modern disciples. Don't believe me? Try it yourself!:)

I was able to watch Saturday afternoon session, Sunday Morning session, and General woman's session of conference. I love the prophet haha! He is such a character! I know he was called of God to direct the Lord's church! I'll share more of my thoughts next week after I watch the rest of General conference! 

I love you all! Thank you for your kind words and prayers! 

Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger

PS: I caught a salamander and a tree frog.

Elder Chicken Slayer!!

Vegetarian viewer discretion is advised

I went on exchanges with Elder Miller on Friday! He is awesome! Since we were in my area for the day... I was in charge! At first it was strange but it ended up being a successful day and I learned that I knew my area better than I had thought! We did get lost a few times and we had to back track. I remember stating to Elder Miller, "I am lost and I forgot my Liahona."

Elder Miller is a great guy. He kind of reminds me of Shane from The Walking Dead. He grew up on a farm so he's got a fun way of talking and a lot of cool stories. After spending one day with him.... I did something I had never done before. We bought, caught, killed, prepared, and ate a chicken. Elder Miller wanted something crazy for dinner. Personally I thought the food here was crazy enough. He wanted to make a soup that needed chicken. Well after buying and catching the chicken... I asked Elder Miller how he planned on killing it. He told me to hold the chicken's head in your hand tight. Then he said, "Swing up the chicken holding the head and then whip it as hard as you can." I said I would do it if I could wear his cowboy hat in the process. He agreed. Now, I thought that the chicken's neck would just snap but after whipping the chicken I noticed two things. The chicken went flying in front of me but... I was still holding the head. It's a strange feeling to hold the head of something running around frantically in front of you. The dinner was delicious and I will change my name to, Elder Chicken Slayer.

On Saturday, President and Sister Graham came for a special devotional. Pres Graham is the Temple President for the Accra Ghana temple. He taught at the Provo MTC for over 30 years. President Graham was Elder Neil L. Anderson's teacher in the MTC. He is just awesome and he spoke to the members about the importance of temples. He told all of them to try everything they could to get to the temple. Regardless of the sacrifice. After being in that meeting I feel even more grateful to have 2 temples so close to my home in Meridian. I really encourage everyone to understand the blessings of the nearby temples and attend them regularly. So many people here sacrifice so much to get to the nearest temple so far away. I'm also grateful for General Conference. I never realized how much of a blessing it is to watch and listen to the prophet speak to us live! Sadly, due to my location, we will only be able to view one session of conference and that's a large maybe. This kinda sucks haha but we will get the church magazine in a month or two! I'm told this conference will be insane! President Nelson doesn't mess around! I testify that he is a true prophet and every time I hear his voice I receive that personal confirmation. Liberia temple?... My fingers are crossed!

I don't have a whole lot to say this week but I love you all and hope everything is good in America!

Sincerely, Elder Chicken Slayer

How can I be the 4th Missionary?

It has been such a crazy week!! I'm emailing today because President Clark said yesterday was too dangerous for the missionaries to be in town. Everything is okay! President is just being cautious! (As he should be)

This last week I've been able to spend more time with President and Sister Clark. I'm grateful for the time I've had with them because they are such great people! I was able to hear their incredible story about how the Lord prepared them to become such great leaders. They inspire me and I'm grateful for them.

The other day I was able to go on exchanges with Elder Fifita. He is Tongan from New Zealand. He spent a while before his mission in Australia to play rugby. He is such a cool guy! His area is amazing! It goes all the way to the beach and Hotel Africa! Hotel Africa is fascinating but also horrifying because its a huge sign of the war. Elder Fifita and I taught many people and had such great lessons! For lunch, we went to a lady who cooks meat and rice. It was really good! Of course... It wasn't until after I ate the meat when Elder Fifita informed me I had just eaten dog. judge me all you want but... Dogs make good pets and meals!:)

I got to meet the newest elders in the district. Elder Lartey from Ghana and Elder Nahounou from Ivory Coast! Hilarious companionship!! When I returned to my apartment I met Elder Tamfumo's new companion, Elder Miller from Arizona. Great guy!

Early Saturday morning... Elder James got really sick. Being his companion... I conducted a priesthood blessing. In the middle of the blessing... Elder James literally passed out, fell off the chair, and flopped on the floor. It sounds funny now but we were all in shock! I was terrified that I gave the blessing incorrectly!!! We all ran around like headless turkeys in panic! Elder Tamfumo and his companion helped Elder James to his bed while I called President. President sent a driver to transport my companion and I to a hospital in Monrovia. It was surprisingly nice! Sister Clark and I waited for a doctor to see Elder James. I stayed with my companion the whole day while he rested. They had Elder James stay the night so President took me to the Assistant's apartment for the night.  Elder James ended up being okay and we were back to our regular missionary work the following day. He later told me that he tends to pass out whenever he gets even remotely sick haha! I wish I knew that earlier! I thought he died!

The assistants, Elder Pratt from Maine and Elder Wangele from Nigeria are great guys! Great missionaries! They were able to answer a question I had for a while. Every missionary is aware of the term... The 4th missionary. The 1st and 2nd missionary aren't good missionaries and the 3rd missionary is a very good missionary! (You can look it up if you'd like) The 3rd missionary tries his hardest and loves the work! He is into conversions... Not just baptisms. He serves an honorable mission and enjoys the blessings that the 1st and 2nd missionaries missed out on. The 4th missionary is perfect haha! He is obedient and loves the work! He is like the 3rd missionary but better! Well after hearing this I wondered... How can I be the 4th missionary? I decided to take my question to the assistants. I asked Elder Pratt, "After spending this time with me... How can I do better?" He looked at me in confusion and asked, "You want me to judge you?" I said, "Yes!" I wanted these great mature and experienced missionaries to let me know how I can do better. He then said, "Well the fact that you're asking such a question proves to me that you seek consistent improvement. Which is very good!" I then asked, "How can somebody be the 4th missionary?" Elder Pratt then stated that the 4th missionary is essentially Jesus Christ. He said that even though we have been called as representatives of Christ... We arent perfect like He is. We have great responsibilities and expectations but we are still young mortal boys who make mistakes! He said the 4th missionary is someone you can slowly become. Nobody is the 4th missionary immediately! It comes after trial and error! It comes after you've adjusted to mission life and the area you've been called! It takes practice. The 4th missionary is someone the 3rd missionary strives to become. Tries his hardest to become.

I absolutely loved Elder Pratt's council! I will continue to apply this lesson to my daily missionary life and I hope my other missionary buddies do the same! Another lesson I've learned... Snail slurping is NOT a fun activity!

Love you all!
Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger

Baptisms and cockroaches!!

Well I've been here in Liberia for over a month but I can't seem to get used to the giant cockroaches that walk around the floor like they own they place. They are absolutely horrifying! Whenever they are seen, Elder James, Johnson, and I always jump, scream, and grab our machetes! Meanwhile, Elder Tamfumo fearlessly picks up the monsters and carries them outside. I still hesitate getting into bed after being woken up one night by a cockroach crawling on my arm. Ah! They are the worst! 

On Saturday morning I had the great privilege of baptizing Brother Masaque!. I'm so happy for Brother Masaque and his decision to be baptized and become a member of the true church. The baptismal service was beautiful! There were a total of 5 baptisms. I was the baptist for 2 of them. Truly an amazing experience for me and everyone involved! Elder Tamfumo gave an outstanding improvised talk about the importance of baptism. Something that stood out to me was when he stated that Satan and his followers will try their hardest to get us to look back on the bad things that we have promised God we would turn away from. He said we need to consistently exercise our faith in Christ. If we fail to do that then our faith will decrease quickly. That comment reminded me of an analogy I had heard a while back that I've been using in my lessons. Faith is like a bicycle. The faster you peddle... The faster the bike will go. If you stop peddling... The bike will fall. We need to consistently exercise our faith or we will surely lose it.

I really appreciated everything Elder Tamfumo preached. I recently went on exchanges with him! He is from the DRC and speaks French and English. Elder Tamfumo taught seminary for 4 years and attended many years of institute. It seems he can answer any question I have about the scriptures! He is a great guy and the only one in our apartment that isn't scared of the bugs.

We got really big news from President Clark! Elder Johnson left early this morning to another area where he will be a Zone leader. Elder Tamfumo will proselyte with me and my companion while he waits for the new elder that he will be training. He should get here around Wednesday. Our district is expanding from 3 companionships to 4! Elder Hinson and Fifita will remain as my Zone leaders but the new district leader is my companion! Which means I will be going on exchanges once a week! New people and places! Pretty exciting!

As for my investigators... They are awesome! Zwana continues to be a great investigator! He frequently calls us with questions about the Book of Mormon! He has memorized every principle of every lesson! He could tell us stories in the Book of Mormon as if he had studied them his whole life! He occasionally comes with us to teach other people. Whenever someone walks by during a lesson... Zwana will enthusiastically urge them to join in on the lecture! The other day we were teaching a multitude of interested people thanks to Zwana's determination to invite others! Ah he is such a great kid! I'm excited to see where his faith takes him!

My people, I love Liberia! I love the work! I love you all! 

Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger

PS: I'm happy to here Elder Packer and Christensen are doing good! They have been in my prayers! I love to hear about the activity my ward just did! Sounds like fun! I'm sure Brother Packer played a perfect Joseph Smith hahah! They share a lot in common. Both great men I look up to!

Another Great Week!!

I'm glad so many of you enjoy my emails! thank you! As many of you know... Someone's mission should be a spiritual benefit for themselves and the many people they teach. I'm not sure however that some of you know and understand that part of a missionary's duty is to write home in a way that spiritually benefits the readers. this is why it makes me so sad to hear some Elders say they don't care to write home. So many of my family and friends have helped me get where I am today. I feel like the least I could do is spread the blessings of a mission by sharing my many great experiences! Plus... I love writing and while many kindly say I do it with a talent... I simply do it with the love for the readers! As much as I love to make you laugh and giggle... It is important I share my testimony strengthening experiences. If I fail to do that... I am not reporting home the way I should be. With that being said...

We've had a very sunny and dry week until just the other day. after a night and morning of heavy rainfall, the grounds were once again flooded. We had previously planned to meet with an investigator named Rachel. (Not her real name). I had never met Rachel because her house is a 50 minute walk through the jungle. After walking a bit we discovered the path to her house was completely flooded with a waist high body of rain water. In my head I thought, "Well I guess we won't be seeing Rachel today." I then looked at my companion who was already removing his boots and socks. Elder James inspired me and put a smile on my face. I followed his great example of a true dedicated missionary and together... We went for a literal swim to Rachel's house. For behold, the field is white and ready to harvest so grab your swimsuit and sickle and get to work! (Disclaimer: Not the real scripture) We usually get weird looks because of our skin color and nice clothes but this time... The looks were priceless!

I'm glad we went for that swim because the lesson with Rachel was unforgettable. She had a difficult question to a serious problem and she needed our help. After inquiring of the Lord through sincere prayer... We let the Lord speak to us by opening to a random page in the Book of Mormon. Elder James and I already had strong testimonies about the power of the Book of Mormon but I had never before witnessed the power come as quickly as it did for Rachel! This faithful lady literally found a perfect and profound answer to her prayers instantly. This experience spiritually strengthened me, my companion, Rachel, and I hope you! The power of the Book of Mormon is real my people!
Experiences like this happens DAILY on a mission! That is why i'm so excited for my friends receiving their calls and leaving for their various missions!

My companion and I have so many amazing investigators! I will have my first baptism on Saturday! I'll try to send pictures. Zwana and his friends understand the lessons and love the many stories in the Book of Mormon! Angel and her friends love when my companion and I visit to teach. It's truly such a wonderful sight to see all these people grow in faith and understanding of the true Gospel!
Thank you guys so much for your loving emails! I might not have time to reply... but I promise I love them all and I love you all!

Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger

PS: I caught a lizard!:)

Monkeys!!!! Ahhh!!!

Dear friends and family,

The free meals will surely be the death of Elder Hallenberger! Like I’ve said earlier… The people here love to put violent amounts of pepe (pepper) in the rice. This is all they eat. Just the other day, a kind investigator offered us a meal to eat before we departed to our next lecture. He placed a bowl of rice with two spoons in front of me and my companion. He then poured a red substance over the rice and of course… A fish head on top. Just once I’d love the meal to be a delicious juicy Chick-Fila sandwich. I asked the man in my weak Kalokwa dialect if the food had a lot of pepe in it. He then pleaded saying there was very little pepe! The Holy Spirit told me otherwise. Nevertheless… After blessing the food, I took a bite. We must’ve said the prayer wrong because that food was far from blessed. In fact, It was so hot I’m convinced it came straight from down under! Not only did the man lie to me… Which is a sin. He tried to kill me!!! This is also a sin!!! Ahh he was laughing too!! He cried tears of joy while I cried tears of sheer pain!!!!

On a more positive note… I saw a freaking monkey!! It was so cute and small and ahhh!!! I’m in Africa!!! Bucket list for when I return home: 1^st… Hug mom! 2^nd… Buy a pet monkey! 3^rd… Hug dad;)

We went into Monrovia last week and wow! I used to think San Francisco was crazy! Elder Johnson got punched by a lady!! Long story short: After all 4 of us were in the keke (Three wheeled taxi) a large woman tried to sit on Johnson’s lap. After Johnson reasonably resisted… The woman got angry, yelled a few words that won’t be repeated, and hit him in the leg! I saw it myself! It happened so quickly! It could’ve been me! I’m so glad I don’t have to title this e-mail, “My small and tender leg has been crippled due to the force of a large woman’s fist.” Every Elder in the keke was shocked she had punched him but I’m surprised Elder Johnson could resist a woman of her size from sitting on his lap! The power of God is real Brothers and Sisters;)

Unfortunately, not everything here is as fun as Monkeys and keke rides. One sunny day while walking to our next appointment, my companion and I saw something I never want to see again. On the side of the road there stood 4 girls no older than 12. They had blades pointed at a crying boy no older than 2. They weren’t letting him stand up off the large red ant hill he was forced to sit on. It was bullying and torture. Without hesitation, my companion and I made the bullies leave. I then lifted the scared, crying child off the hill and carried him to the road where I brushed him free of the many biting ants. I then asked if he was okay. Reasonably, he didn’t reply and cried running home to what I hope to be a comforting mother. I’m sure you’re sad picturing this in your head but living it was just sickening. The cruel way they treat children and animals here is easily the worst part of Liberia.

Thankfully the positives outweigh the negatives! One of our new investigators from New Look is named Angel. Angel has such an amazing spirit! It’s fantastic!! When we first met her… She seemed sleepy and uninterested. Nevertheless… We gave her a pamphlet and continued on our way. The next time we walked by Angel was very excited to see us! She gathered family and friends and together, my companion and I taught Angel and her large group of interested loved ones! It was a wonderful lesson and it was evident that Angel not only read the pamphlet previously given to her…But she had studied it! She understood everything we taught!!! After meeting with her a few times I know in my heart that God has prepared her to hear the exciting message of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ! So exciting!!

It’s difficult being away from my family and I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t. But it really helps being surrounded by such a loving people who treat me like family! I love these people! I love Liberia! I love the work! And I love you all!!

Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger