Sick of being sick.

Dear family and friends, 

These last few weeks have been difficult as you may have heard. Tears filled my eyes as I read the loving emails from friends, family, and even strangers haha. My heart is full of gratitude for the love I've felt during these difficult days and nights. Thank you:)

It pains me to say that the area I love so much will have to continue growing without me. Without a proper farewell, I had to leave my beloved investigators, members, and recent converts. I'll find the time to write them letters and I know the missionaries will continue caring for their needs. I love them and I know it'll all be okay! 

Before I left on my mission I promised myself that Liberia could take my life away but my sense of humor was here to stay. That being said, I'm excited to update everyone about Elder Hallenberger's experience in the Liberian hospital!

When I first got to the hospital they pumped me with water, gave me a billion shots, and kept calling me Morris. I was too sick to correct them. I was starting to feel good until a nurse came in with a pencil sized needle. I asked where it was going and she replied, "I need to see your bum." Now, I'm not afraid of needles and I'm always up for new things so did what she asked. Following was literally the most painful minute of my life! She said it was for the fever but I would have defiantly preferred the fever! My butt was a bit sore for the night but in the morning I felt well enough to leave.

Turns out, leaving the clinic wasn't a good idea. The next morning I had a fever of 104 and my stomach wasn't being too kind. The 40 minute trip back to the hospital was not fun because it was by keke on a bumpy road, and the traffic was the worst. Regardless, I was able to make it to the hospital and return to the treatment. Jokingly, I asked the nurse accompanying me if another needle would poke my butt. He said yes. Suddenly, my smile disappeared. Unless any of you think round two was any better, I'll be the first to say.... It's not. In fact it was worse because I knew what was about to happen! Haha that night wasn't easy. They said I had a bad stomach infection and possibly a parasite which is always fun to hear. EVERY TIME I would complain about my stomach, another needle went in my bum. Overall I was poked around 20 times and 7 of which were the terrible butt shots. Wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy! I guess you could say Liberia was a pain in my 

There was a television to my right and it was always playing nothing but animal documentaries which I've always enjoyed. Missionaries aren't allowed to watch tv but, I figured since I couldn't hear it and it was nature on a screen, a few glances wouldn't hurt. Well, during a very difficult night of discomfort and probably the peak of my pain, I turned my head and saw a giraffe on the tv being completely torn apart by a group of hungry lions. I suddenly didn't feel so painful haha! The sight of that helpless animal being eaten made me glad I was where I was! It could be way worse haha!

After a few days, I felt recovered enough to go to my new apartment in Paynseville and recover there. I was able to meet my new companion Elder Booher from Utah! Great guy and I'm excited to work with him. Also, the apartment is literally soooo nice. A microwave, couches, AC, running hot water, and 24 hour power. President says its the best of the apartments and missionaries don't leave without a little force haha! I tried to unpack my stuff but I kept having to take breaks and sure enough, within a few hours, I had a fever of 104 again and I couldn't even move. President and Sister Clark picked me up and I returned to the hospital where they told us the following morning that they did all they knew how to do. Sister Blackwell (The West Africa health specialist) approved that I would meet her in Accra to receive treatment at the hospital. 

My companion packed some things for me and from the mission office, I left for the airport with Bishop Pride. Bishop Pride is the travel specialist who was going to accompany me for the flight. He is so cool and he liked it when I called him my body guard haha! Unfortunately, My bodyguard's passport was expired so I had to go without him. It would've been nice.... I sat by these Russian drunks that didn't care about being too loud or vulgar. Haha I kept thinking about how things would have been different if Pride were on the plane.

I spent two nights at the Accra hospital and I feel a lot better! Hopefully it stays this way. I'm taking it easy with the office Elders here in Accra for the week. I got to meet President and Sister Keyes from South Africa. They are super cool and super kind. I want to make it back to Liberia for the Christmas party on the 21st but I if I miss it... It's just the way it is. At least I'm feeling better! This morning I went with the missionaries for a zone activity and a lot of my friends from the MTC were there and we were excited to see each other again. 

On Sunday morning I had the wonderful privilege of having a nice meeting with Elder Nash. He said It was a pure impression from the Spirit to find the time to come see me. The chances of a missionary getting to meet with a general authority one on one  is very very slim. It just proves to me that the Lord is mindful of me and my trials. He gave me great words of love and encouragement to help me as I move forward and continue my mission. He is awesome and the experience was unforgettable.

Notice the shirt I'm wearing in the picture Sister Clark sent home. I don't think its just a coincidence that Elder Dea tossed me that shirt when we found out I was going to the hospital. Perhaps its the Lord's way of reminding me in my time of weakness that true disciples of Christ can indeed "Do hard things" through him. Its clear to me that this simple camp slogan will never cease to motivate me as I continue my mission. Your fasts and prayers surely did more for me than any medication I've received. It has brought me so much comfort and I thank you so much!

Love you all! Thanks for everything! Hope your Christmas season is going great!

Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger

A great report!

Dear friends and family, 

I'm pleased to say that the Johnson family(5) has accepted to be baptized on the 8th of this month! Its been a lot of fun teaching them and i'm excited to see them progress in the Gospel. My recent convert just got a calling in the Sunday school presidency! So exciting! 

On Thursday, we had another zone conference and I got to see Elder Hinson one last time before he returns to the Promised land on the 11th. He gave us words of encouragement and bore and amazing testimony! I'm going to miss that guy! We also heard from President and Sister Clark. They gave us a great instruction and I also got a sweet Ghana tie from them! They told us about the church's "Light the World" program this month. I'm pretty excited to participate because I've got some good ideas! The 1st week is all about finding ways to serve globally. I can't think of a better way to do that then to literally be on another continent! Pretty exciting and i'll keep you updated! 

I don't know for sure but I'm predicting that this is my final week in the Banjor area wit Elder Dea. If so, I will leave early next Monday to my new area. I probably won't have much time to email so I'm not sure if I'll have a group email next week. 

Thanks for all the kind words! Love you all! 

Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger

Religious Salesman

I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was great! It was also Elder Pollmann's birthday on Thursday so we had cake at district meeting. I also made the best french fries ever created. Thanksgiving was dope:)

I also let Pollmann cut my hair. On Monday, I found some sweet dark purple slacks on the street that caught my eye.

I feel like Professor Plum from the Clue board game when I wear them but I don't care haha! #Dress2impress

This time last year I was a Christmas tree salesman. Personally, I felt I was pretty good at selling trees. I'd approach the customers with a kind greeting and a joke. Since the lot was on the water park parking lot, I always thought it was funny to ask them if they were there for a tree or for the water slide. (It was at night and the end of November.) I always thought being a missionary would be like being some sort of religious salesman. Now that i'm here, I realize its very different. Yes, its good to know a joke or two and sure, its good to be a people person but, it's not safe to treat sharing the Gospel as if you were convincing someone to buy a product. My area has so many recent converts who haven't gone to church for a very long time. It's for that reason, i'm extra careful when I decide to extend a baptismal invite. Thanks to our friendly neighborhood Bishop, it's not difficult finding investigators a friend in the ward to keep them around and active. Most of the time, Bishop Tugbeh is that friend to the investigators! Just the other day we saw Bishop playing chess outside with one of our investigators! While missionaries come and go... Members stay put so it's only smart to use them as additional support. 

We're finding a lot of positive progression with this new family of 8 we have been teaching. Especially with the children who are no younger than 12 and no older than 19. One day before a lesson, they asked me what my first name was. I said Elder but they didn't believe me and insisted I told them my first name. I said, "You can have my first name if you can guess my age." Everyone guessed somewhere around 23, 25, 28, and yes even 30. Once I told them I had just turned 18 in April... They were shocked! One of them said, "Wow, you guys grow big in China!" It was then I realized I hadn't told them where I was from haha! It didn't surprise me... Every time I go outside I hear kids chant, "China man!" or, "Chingchong-Bingbong!" I don't mind it haha.... It's pretty funny:)

This is my report! Hope things are good at home!

Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger

PS: Finally killed the rat that has been living in the apartment longer than I have. 

Pioneering in Africa

I'm excited to say that after 6 years of investigation the church, Sister Orietta was baptized on Saturday morning! Brother Paul, a return missionary who had previously taught her, performed the baptism for her! The service was beautiful! Bishop Tugbeh asked me to speak on the importance of baptism. I didn't have anything prepared but I was able to deliver a small improvised message about what I knew to be true. The baptism was a success and I'm excited for my friend and her decision to follow the Savior's divine example. 

On Sunday morning we viewed a special broadcast from Salt Lake! All the stakes in West Africa gathered in their stake centers and received council and words of encouragement from Joy D. Jones, Stephen W. Owen, Gary E. Stevenson, and President Henry B. Eyring.  They each gave amazing talks concerning the church in West Africa. Elder Owen stated that while the saints in America are far into the Pioneer Era.... Africa has only just begun. He stated that most the members in Africa are the only in their various families. Which makes them pioneers. Obviously, Pioneer Era will never be over but, it's very special to me to be serving in an area where the Pioneering has just started. 

Elder Owen also shared an amazing story about a man named Orson Spencer and his wife Katherine. They both wanted to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints but, Katherine's parents didn't approve. They said if she were to join the Church.... She and Orson would no longer be welcome in the family. Nevertheless... They were both baptized and later had 5 children. Orson and Katherine planned to meet the rest of the Saints in Nauvoo. Unfortunately, Katherine got very ill and wasn't able to begin trek. They didn't have a lot of money and they lacked medical care. Orson wrote to Katherine's parents begging them to take his wife in and care for her. Their reply stated that they'd only care for their daughter if she left her husband Orson and the church. When Orson gave this letter to his sick wife, she gave him the following scripture:"Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God" (Ruth1:16) Katherine passed away shortly after and endured faithful till the end. Orson Spencer and his 5 motherless children later joined the Saints in Zion. I love this story so much because it relates to so many Pioneer Saints in Africa who remain so strong and faithful even during trialing times. 

Sorry, not a whole lot of exciting or funny events this week. We did take a bus to the devotional and that was pretty exciting! They had Elder Miller and I sit at the back which made me laugh haha!

Love you guys and your inspiring words of encouragement! Hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving! I'm not sure what i'll do on Thursday... Probably nothing special because Thanksgiving and Christmas doesn't exist here:/ 

Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger

PS: This spider was found right by my bed this morning... Bravo Liberia... Bravo.

Dentists, Dog Attacks, And Missionary Work

Dear family and friends,

I'll start this email by sharing my experience on exchanges with my new zone leader Elder Pollmann from Utah. He had already heard about my comedic personality because he was previously in Elder Hamel and Johnson's apartment. Elder Pollmann and I instantly became good friends and I wish to be half the missionary he is! (Alma 48:17) I've never met a more humble and kind missionary. I'm excited to get to know him better and also build from his profound example.

I'm pleased to say that a member in our ward gave us a referral for a family of 8! We have taught them a few times and they are super interested and attentive! I wouldn't be surprised if the Spirit directs us to extend a baptismal invite this week! Speaking of baptism... Sister Oretta's baptism was rescheduled for Saturday the 17th! I'll keep you updated on that! 

The reason I emailed on Tuesday last week was because on P-day, my companion needed to see the dentist. I was privileged to spend most the day with the Kimball's. Elder Kimball told me a lot about the war here in Liberia. It's sad because this country is still recovering from the aftermath and will be for some time. Elder and Sister Kimball are such great people who have given so much to serve here in West Africa. I feel so lucky I am able to do the work with them.

I guess I should share the short story about the dog... Elder Miller and I were walking to a meeting with our companions behind us when a large and angry dog charged at us. My first instinct was to (Please don't get mad) wack the dog with my umbrella just as he was about to bite my leg. The dog retreated... I guess he's not a fan of umbrellas:)

Elder Tamfumo called me last night and said he had 45 new investigators attend sacrament meeting!!!! Ahh!!! 45!!! They are on fire! He said, "I pray President sends you here because I miss you and the apartment has been way too quiet."  I miss him too and I also wish to go to Bonga! 45 investigators!!! 

Love you all! Thanks for your kind words and prayers! 

Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger

Missionary? Or English teacher?

Bonjour la famille et amis,

My new companion, Elder Dea is awesome! He has been here for about a year so his preaching skills are outstanding! I asked if he could teach me French and he asked if I could teach him how to write in English. Now... I'm not the smartest person but, I thought it would be fun to teach someone what I knew! So during his English study, I began to teach him how to write in English. Only problem was I had absolutely no idea where to start! So I just had him write a paragraph about his girlfriend haha! He wrote things like, fine hair, fine smile, and fine eyes. I could tell that he needed help with adjectives. I taught him about other words like, beautiful, pretty, cute, gorgeous, and attractive. He then asked if there were other words like fine and I said, "Yes but not for missionaries!"

This man isn't just teaching me French. He's also teaching me how to cook Ivory Coast meals. The man can cook! He made us breakfast one morning and I took one bite and said, "You will make your wife very happy."

It's pretty handy having a French companion! One of our investigators, Sister Garcia, only speaks very little English. This being said, Elder James and I have had a difficult time teaching her. The other day we went over there and for a whole hour... Elder Dea and Sister Garcia talked in French! I was just awkwardly in the middle haha! I would say it was a good lecture but as far as I know... The could've been talking about soccer the entire time

Elder Miller's new companion, Elder Izedonmwen from Nigeria is also a great guy and I'm excited to get to know him better this transfer. 

We had stake conference on Saturday and Sunday where we heard from the hilarious Elder Isaac K Morrison. He was just called last April as an area seventy. He used to be a stake president in Ghana. He was teaching us about ministering with love. He also answered our questions concerning the recent changes of the church in January. Elder Morrison frequently warned us about creating our own church haha! He said, "If I hear a new member say he doesn't know what a temple recommend is... I'll know we've created another church!" Haha he was so funny and i'm glad I got to meet and hear from him! I'm pretty excited because President Clark said he wouldn't be surprised if this man gives a General conference talk soon!

Ahh! I can't believe it's November!!! On the 1st I realized, "Wow yesterday was Halloween and I didn't even notice!" I guess that's what happens when you lose yourself in the work and in another continent that doesn't know what Halloween is!

It's definitely still summer here! My family and friends are putting on coats while I'm putting on more sunscreen!

Love you all! hanks for your kind words and prayers! 

Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger

A seed was planted!

Dear family and friends,

I don't have much time to email this week due to the transfer so I'll make this short, sweet, and simple!

When I get to know new people before a lesson I like to ask them what their favorite Liberian soup is! There's palm butter, casava, beans, pe-pe soup, potato greens, gravy, red oil soup, pumpkin, and last and DEFINITELY least... Tobogee! My favorite is casava but to make people giggle I say tobogee because NOBODY likes tobogee!

There's another dish here I love but I used to hate. It's called Liberian spaghetti. It can easily be made in America so I'll tell you what it is... Liberian spaghetti is tomato paste noodles with cucumber, mayo, ketchup, onion, boiled egg, and sausage! And if you'd like to make it truly Liberian... Put a gallon of pe-pe on it! My goal is to learn how to make each dish! 

Well this things are changing again! Elder James left this morning to serve in Monrovia and Elder Tamfumo left for his brand new area in Bongo. Never before touched my missionaries! I'm going to miss them so much! I'm grateful for Elder James and his dedication to train me so well! As for me... I'm staying here with my new companion from Ivory Coast named Elder Dea! (Drug enforcement agency) The man is dope! He used to be a DJ and he said he will teach me some French! Ah i'm so excited to get to know him!

I am excited to continue the work in this area. Sister Oretta agreed to be baptized on the 10th of November! She has been investigating for 6 years and is now ready to become a member! 

When I first got here there was an investigator (Lets call her Alice) who was about to be dropped by Elder James and Elder Zandemella. After meeting with her once... I felt that we shouldn't stop teaching her rather... Change the way we teach her. The reason they reasonably felt she should be dropped was because she wouldn't attend church and didn't seem interested. I suggested that we didn't teach her with all her distracting friends around. This approach made Alice more attentive and interested! She began to love meeting with us. At first... She couldn't read a word but after daily Book of Mormon study... She can now read clearly without any help! Powerful book!!! I was so happy to see her this last Sunday at sacrament meeting! I'm so glad I followed a prompting and continued meeting with Alice. I don't think I will see her baptism because she's still progressing but... I am certain a seed was planted and that makes me so incredibly happy!:)

I love this work so much! I can already see how the service is changing me spiritually and physically haha!

Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger

PS: Happy to hear about the changes in the ward! Brother Packer is a great guy and I love and sustain him!