Ralph Machata, Lee West, Fiddler and Potter

These are names from the past that deserve some historical mention. Since reviewing the life of Uncle Charles, I've decided someone should document a history of our time in Cibola. Since I am the youngest male child and my memories are the youngest I can recount some things. However, my time in Cibola was also the shortest. HB, Cliff and Larry will have more to tell than I will. I am hereby requesting that my siblings, including my dear sister, to tell me about their memories of Cibola and the characters that lived there. I am also requesting that some famous photographer in Arizona and a famous illustrator in Utah get involved to help put together these memories. In later blogs I will request specific memories about certain times, places and individuals and events. Oh, did we have events. Crazy things happened in Cibola.

In other news, I've posted a few photos of Chad and his latest email.

Parentals!

Well I sure did enjoy this week. A lot of cool things happened and I had a few great learning experiences.I loved Zone Conference. It always seems to give me that needed boost!After Zone Conference I went with Elder Michael for a Zone Leader Tausch. That was fun and interesting. We went down to Harburg to help the Elders there with a move. For their neighbor's daughter or something like that. It was good and the people were extremely nice. It went a bit later than we expected.The next day we hit the road pretty early. We had to catch up with a member to let him into the old Sisters Apartment. After that we met up with all the other missionaries at the Wartenau to get ready for an Ausstellung. That was a blast. We went down to the Uni and did it there. It was amazing. JAE's are where its at! I learned alot about how to get contact information, something I have personnally been struggling with for a while now. I just haven't been able to seal the deal. But at the Ausstellung I started to use techniques that I've learned from other missionaries and started to see success! It was an awesome experience. I went a bit crazy though. We had a bet that anyone who got a baptismal date on the street got this jougart chocolate thing. I wanted it. Bad. I hadn't eaten and well ya...the pictures and the little movie I'm sending should explain it all...When we tausched back, the week was all about service and member appointments. We went and helped a member rennovate a room in their house and had a great talk about missionary work and how members can help. It was there that I realized how service could help the work in this area. We need to get the name of the Church out but to be known for good, and not for the things that we seem to be known as. We need people to see that we are just nice people who live what we believe. So that is what we taught at the member appointments for the spiritual thought. Its great cause there is a section on that in PMG in chapter 9. It ties in perfectly.On saturday our appointment fell out and we got a call by the JAE's who asked for our help in cooking for the activity instead of actually going around for the activity. So we did. It was a good idea cause a less active member came along and she brought a friend to church the next day. At this activity I realized how much I love the youth of my ward. They are such great kids, President. They all want to do good and help us. Speaking of my ward here in Lauenburg, things are going a lot better. The member-missionary relations are improving a whole lot. I don't know the exact reason why it was so strained in the first place, but now I can honestly say that I love this ward and the people in it. The excitement for missionary work is also increasing. I think the problem was that missionary work the way we picture it as missionaries isn't the kind of missionary work that they are willing to do right now. So we've been switching the focus a little and now they are starting to love the idea of serving. Also the boys of the ward love going out with us for 'mini missions'. The ward is also now willing to go on joint teaches and starting to realize that they need to open the doors and their hearts a bit more to welcome the people who are looking into what we have. That was and is still a bit of a problem with this ward. They aren't the most friendly to strangers. But that is changing.Our investigators are all outta town this week. One in London and the other in Berlin. So we are just trying to get some new contacts and get something new going here. But this week we have a lot of member appointments because of the school break. Now the families of the ward have a lot more time than during the school week.
You know, I used to have a hard time with this area. It was a big change from what I was used to down in Essen. But I am so grateful for what I have learned here. I don't think I could have learned it anywhere else. I love the people here. And even though the work is harder that what I've previously experienced, it has all been for my good. The light of morning always follows the midnight hours. I see how my skills have enhanced, my love has grown, and my understanding has expanded.
But enough of that sentimental crap.

How are you two? I really want to see the Uncle Charles video. Really really bad. Alas, I dont know how.

Mother, I did get the easter package and sent you a letter. Dad included in mentioned letter is the lyrics to the humpty dumpty song inspired from your falling through an attic.

Mother, what the heck are you doing being sick? Thats my job! Yes, I am ein bisschen erkältet, but its ok. I can't really sleep at night though. For two reasons. My compaion Elder Bidstrup talks, or screams rather, in his sleep, and two I can't breath cause my nose gets all stuffed up when I lay down. But thats ok. I think its because its warming up a little. But just a little. A very little. But thats ok. The longer I suffer in the cold the hotter my wife will be. Thats what a Member of the Area Presidency told us. Elder Wondra. So I'm making myself suffer as much as possible. Persecution Points. Its a Gospel Truth. Bruce R. McControversy wrote about it in Mormon Doctorine. Ok so not really. But he should have.

So I think I told you this, but on April 17th we are having a Mission Conference. All 130 some odd missionaries are going to be up in Hamburg to hear Elder Holland speak to us. I'm pretty excited but kinda hope I dont get transferred. They are the 15th of April and, even though I never thought I'd say it, I don't want to go. But I'll let you know the verdict in 2 weeks.

Other than being sick I'm doing well. Im not really all that sick so dont worry mom. And as far as glasses go, I'm fine. I can wait til I get home to use or get them. I dont really want them to be honest. I dont need them to read, I can see clearly close up. But one day I stole Elder Higham's glasses and put them on and saw detail in the distance. It's like you said dad, I didn't know that man was supposed to see that much detail. We're supposed to see things in the distance?! Who knew!

Well my pictures and video cant be read by this computer. I think everything is corrupted on my card. I hate public computers. But the pictures are still there so dont have a heart attack. I'm sorry that everthings being dumb! I'll try one more time but if not, oh well!

Yea! It works! So the pictures of me talking to cars, is me talking to cars. The winter wonderland is me in a winter wonderland. Me in a red shirt was me on a tausch and Elder Blackham gave it to me to wear. I didnt realize what kinda a shirt it was until it was on and I had worn it for 5 minutes. I grabbed the knife and demanded a new shirt. I hope you enjoy!

I love and miss you!

Elder ChArnett

Baby Boomerang, the movie

Tonight we viewed the documentary called "Baby Boomerang". It's a play on words on several levels which I will discuss in my movie review below. I must admit to expecting a longer wedding type video that he is so famous for. I also envisioned it being something like Ken Burns WWII documentary. It was neither. It was magnificient. It lasted 55 minutes and worth every penny of the price of admission, which was free, or course. The theatre was jam packed. We had to pull up our arm rests to squeeze everyone in. I believe many partrons including AJ sat in the cracks in the seats. The Howard Arnett family was well represented by AJ's family, Cliff's family, my family, Cameron and Chea's family and rightly so as Howard was mentioned in thinly veiled reference at one point in the documentary. I know the documentary was warmly accepted as it received a well deserved standing ovation at the end. I asked some people who were there that didn't even know Uncle Charles well what they thought of it. They were visibly moved and entertained. My guess is that close to half in attendance we not relatives. My how word spreads when something is free and its a Monday night.

Since most of you will not get to see it unless it becomes successful on the documentary of history channel circuit, I will give you a brief rundown and my thoughts.

This movie was 14 years in the making. Mark explains at the beginning of the documentary why it took so long to makeand why he never wanted his dad to see it which becomes evident as the film progresses. At first, the movie is really not so much about Uncle Charles as it about Mark. On the surface that sounds shallow, but once the documentary began to unfold we understood why. It did focus on Uncle Charles -- who he was and the life he lived, but it also focused on a son (baby boomer-ang) coming to the realization of how great his father really was. That's I'll I can say without giving away more, but this was a deep, well thought out documentary. It was a love story, it was a tragic hero's story, a spiritual story, a missionary story and much more. It was funny throughout, bordering on hilarious at times. It was heart wrenching evoking many tears. It was patriotic. It was historical in that it detailed a time of great sacrifice, specifically by Uncle Charles, but also by others of his crew that were featured in the film. But, it was also "historic" in that it revealed a transformation in Mark (the same one we all go through or must go through) when he realized what kind of father he had and how he has come to appreciate it. There were many layers of emotion that all in attendance felt. I hope this story continues on and Mark is successful in showing it at film festivals.

I took some photos of me and Pam (actually Larry did) getting ready to go to the funeral and later and at the movie theatre. I'm no Chea, but here are some photos anyway.

My mission!

Through the magic of the internet I have been able to re-live some of my mission experiences. I wasn't much of a photographer on my mission, but thanks to modern technology I can access stuff that I actually saw and experienced.

I spent 18 months of my mission in and around the city of Adelaide, South Australia. Adelaide was a large city with many parks and hills, etc. But, for a little town guy this was trying at times because I didn't get to see much of the countryside in the big city. For my last 6 months, I was transferred to West Australia -- namely the city of Perth. While Perth was also a big city it was most scenic. In fact, it is one the most beautiful places I've ever been. I was fortunate to be able to travel most of West Australia my last several months of my mission. While traveling, I saw some incredible things and learned much more. The above photos all have particular meaning to me which I will try to explain.

The top photo on the left is a giant forest just outside of two towns called Bunbury and Collie, south of Perth. These were and are the largest trees I have ever seen. No, I've never been to the Redwood forest, but these trees are so big you can see how they have built a walkway up on top. This is just inland from the Indian Ocean. I spent one of the worst nights of my life in Collie as I had to sleep on a hardwood floor with out a blanket, pillow or anything. I used my suit coat to cover me for warmth. There was no warmth or sleep that night. The next photo is of Albany, West Australia. It is said it is the most distant place you can travel from Arizona. If you go any further, you are coming home. Albany, during the 1970's, was a large whaling town. It had one of the world's last whaling stations. I have never smelled anything so "deathening" (that's my word for it). It smelled horrible. The men used sharp knifes on the end of poles (think hockey sticks) to cut away the blubber. Everything went into a hole in the center of the whaling ramp which was then boiled and boiled some more. I think this whole thing was stopped (meaning outlawed) in the late 70's. Next are some photos of the Albany cliffs. These cliffs were at least 300 feet high. During the winter they had what they called "Killer King Waves" come in from the Anarctic Ocean. Because there are no islands or land to speak of between Anarctica and the coastline they would grow to 100 feet or more during the stormy season. At times, with a telescope, you could see icebergs in the distance. Next of note is place called the Gap. The two side by side photos show what happens when king waves hit the Gap. This Gap was created over time by waves crashing against the coastline. A wave hits the front of the Gap then shoots hundreds of feet toward the back, then shoots hundreds of feet straight up. There is a cage overlooking the side of the Gap that visitors stand in. Needless to say when I visited the Gap, I got soaked. My point of all this is that almost yearly, some careless, drunken tourist (or local) would jump the locked gate to the park surrounding the Gap and stand in the cage when the waves were too dangerous. I might add they were never seen again as they were carried out to sea. I have used this analogy several times while teaching Sunday School to point out that we must draw a line what we will or won't do. Those that cross the line venture into dangerous territory. I know that took a long time to make my point but the photos are awesome and I was there. Finally, the last photo is of Narrogin, West Australia. I accompanied my Mission President to this little town to dedicate it for the preaching of the gospel. It never had missionaries until we went there and dedicated it. I'm not sure what real success I had on my mission or what good can be said my time and service there, but there is a branch in Narrogin and of all things a Geneology library.

His mission!

Chad's latest email and a couple of photos from his area. Blogger's note: 2 photos of the Elbe river looking across at Lauenburg and Chad lost somewhere in Germany and Chad with glasses we didn't know he had or needed.

BOY DO I LOVE MY MISSION!!Oh Parentals, I am happy. It's been a good week for me. I've come to a realization, and it has turned everything around for me. So, for the past few transfers I've been trying to figure out what I could do to help the ward here in Lauenburg, how I could better the work, how to work in harmony with my companions, and everything else with ties to missionary work. But, because of a few different situations and problems with the ward, transportation problems, and a plethora of other things, I started to feel bad for myself. I started to feel hopeless. I felt further from my Savior than ever before. Every slammed door, thrown bottle, cuss word, and every other bad thing that seems to happen just threw me down and kicked me to the curb. I wanted to curl up in a ball. I felt abandoned. I felt unloved. I felt alone.Now normally when I would hit a point like this, I would go to family or friends, people I knew loved me. I didn't know what to do and found myself with alot of down time. So I read. And read. And read some more. I thought a lot. I figured out things that I never even thought about before. But I never realized how much I was learning. I never looked back. And that is where my mistake was.This past week I looked back.At the beginning of the week I felt lower than ever. I read that I should share my favorite scripture on the Atonement at interviews. So I started to think alot about it. Then after interviews we went home and I sat at my desk. I got out my study journal and pulled a piece of paper out. I started writing down everything I learned since I've come to Lauenburg. Both my good and bad experences. I soon had to pull out more sheets of paper. I couldn't stop writing. I didn't want to stop writing. I saw the miricle of a mission unfold infront of my eyes. An overwhelming feeling of gratitude swept over me. I can't believe what I've learned about missionary work, about myself, and about the Eternal Nature of our God.The next day we were with the AP's for a training programm. Afterwards we split up and went to visit contacts. I was with Elder Kimball. First I want to say that I love the AP's. They are amazing missionaries. But I feel especially close to Elder Kimball because of serving in the same district for so long. We had a good long talk in the car on the way to the contacts. It was refreshing. There is no better word for it.Since being in Lauenburg I have been struggling for months. I've felt discouragement so thick I thought I would be consumed by it. But, I have had moments when I gained hope, when I fought back the darkness trying to engulf my soul. And its because of those moments that I know there is a Father in Heaven who cares for me. He is the one that gives me hope. It is from Him that I learn. And I now see that.We don't know how strong something is until we have to defend it. Whether we have to defend it against the masses, or our own personal struggles, its the same. We strengthen our defenses with each and every battle. That I know and that I have seen.All is well. I am happy and strong in my Lord. He has not failed me, nor will he ever. He conquered all. He is there always. I know that the insecurities will come again. I know that I will stumble and fall. I know I will have to walk through darkness. But the sun will rise. It always does.
I'm really really sad to hear about Uncle Charles. He was the closest thing to a Grandpa (lately, anyway) that I had. I really looked up to him and loved him. He was an amazing man. I would really like to get that documentry on his WWII history that Mark is doing if you could get it to me. I wish I was there for it. Let the family know I love them and miss them.

I'm glad you had fun in DC ma. And I'm glad you're safe. I was worried for a bit. Not gunna lie. As far as an Easter Package, I don't really know what I want. I would like two books if it is possible. Eternal Man, and Mormon Doctrine. And, of course, the assortment of candy and popcorn! Some pictures would be nice too.

I'm kinda short on time today so I'm gunna sign off.

Have a good week.
I love and miss you two!

Elder ChArnett

Sad news for the Arnett Family!

Cousin Wayne called me this morning to say Uncle Charles passed away. He had some breakfast then sat in a chair and when Aunt Laurene came to check on him he had passed. I believe he was 87 or 88. He was recently in the hospital to have a pacemaker put in. Wayne doesn't think he suffered. He is the last male of the Arnett brothers. While it's hard on us, he is with his brothers, parents and sister. Whenever I would see him and ask how he was doing he would reply, "I'm getting ready for my next phase". I believe he was ready to go and often mentioned how he wanted to see his parents and siblings. His Arnettism's could also fill a book. Aunt Doris is the only original family member left. They really are the "greatest generation".

I can't resist!

For those of you that have visited Lacy's blog showing the report card for my brother HB, I have turned it right side up for your viewing pleasure. Please note that besides the "retard" remark there is a dearth of "Excellent" checkmarks. I point this out because HB is the first to claim he has the highest IQ in the family. We now have definative proof to the contrary. Our dearest mother was in fact telling him he was "special" for very special reasons. I also posted a photo of him in later life showing the effects of his 5th grade efforts.

Also, I've posted the obigatory photo of Chad in the wheat field that has become so famous. Kudos to Chea for her creativity and excellent work. I must point out that my son makes a striking pose from behind. I don't think this photo would have worked with a lesser model. Of course, that is his father speaking. Any copies you can spare would be greatly appreciated by us.

Draining the pool, left out and winds of change....

I have been getting the pool ready for the summer which in AZ starts in a week. Our pool pump keeps going out so I had to drain it over the weekend from a winter of disontent. What a nightmare. I believe I have created a new lifeform with the drainage. Don't worry I am bleach washing the pool so it will be ready for visitors when we celebrate with nephew Cameron in May. Speaking of Cameron it appears he sang a solo in church a few weeks back and guess who wasn't invited? Yesterday at church, a sister who's husband is in the Bishopric of his ward was able to attend our ward, she said he did really good and don't worry Pam and I weren't invited. She said the girls invite everyone to their performances and talks, but the guys don't ever tell anyone.

We had the local Elders over for dinner last night and I grilled them about everything. Pam says I was mean and glum and gave them a hard time about eating my ice cream. I must have done something wrong because I had nightmares about Chad all night.

Speaking of Chad, here is the latest email. It's short. He is a little down, because they are in a hard area with the travel and not much success. I didn't include some of what he wrote about getting spit on, and things thrown at them and cussed at. If you have some time, he could use a little pick me up with an email.

Bloggers note: The wind he talks about is mentioned on the CNN website. A Luftansa jet in Hamburg tried to land turning sideways and the wing scraped the runway. There is video, it's amazing.

PARENTALS!
Well this week was a bit different.
We spent most of it helping the Bergedorf elders get moved in. I'm glad we did cause their new apartment looks really nice and as we all know, not having a place to live kinda destroys the work. So, that is why our numbers are kinda down this week. What does the ´Lord want me to learn in remodeling? I have no clue. But I've spent a month of my mission doing it...
Since our district is staying the same this transfer we are really trying to think of ways to be more effective and actually see sucess. Elder Bidstrup and I are brainstorming to try and figure out how we can better work our area.
And that's pretty much it. We're fighting to keep our investigators, I don't know why, but they have all kinda tried to drop us, or at least not have contact. But we won't let them! They know we have truth, I think they are just afraid. It's like PMG says, most concerns are more social than doctrinal...
YES!! mom I got your package. Finally. Just so you know, if you send something to the Mission Office, I won't get it for a long time -- like 2 months after the fact. If you send packages any bigger than you just sent (b.z.w. Christmas) then yes, they have to go through the mission office. But, what you sent me can come to my apartment. Thanks for the package though. It was awesome. I have so much popcorn now. I eat it everynight.
So my teeth...ya I should probably call someone to fix it. It'll probably be the stake president here since he's a dentist. I just have been busy. I'll call him this week.
This Felix fellow. I think he just played school ball. Ya paps, you would've seen him. They lost to CDO right before we beat them for STATE! I love that we won. Felix is cool and I try to keep contact with him through texting cause he's so busy with civil service. They do that here instead of the Army. You have to do one or the other when you hit 18 here. Just a little culture note.
So Scary Kids Scaring Kids is going international. Let me know when they are going to be in Hamburg and I'll check with President Thompson, maybe I'll be able to hook up with DJ for a sec. . It would be perfect if it was on a P-day. I'd have fun with that.
Dad, rivers never freeze over here. Well they might but the weather is strange. We just had a huge storm hit. We were advised not to go out cause the winds were so high. It was just under Hurricane Classifications.
The pictures are of a wicked sweet rainbow that I saw at the Glück family's house and the other is me and my comp with a BOM.
And thats gunna do it for me. Pap's keep up with the blog. Some friends said they love the Elder Arnett Updates.
Sei Gesund Familie!
LOVES
Elder ChArnett