E-mail 9/13/2010 Week 22

Hola Familia!

This week has been pretty good. My new companion is Elder Follett. He is cool and yes he is another spanish speaking elder. So I am doing spanish work for at least another transfer! The spanish is still coming to me. I feel pretty comfortable but I am still need to learn quite a bit more to be really effective. No, I have not been taking pictures very much lately. I am a little behind on my journal writing but I have been doing better with that. Ever since I've been in the spanish work we haven't tracted nearly as much as Elder Badal and I did. I thought we weren't working quite as hard as we should because I was used to tracting a lot. But, we have an extra hour for language study each day and hispanics are a lot more willing to listen to us. So, we've tracted less yet we have more people to see. It's interesting how that works out.

Speaking of spanish work we have one hispanic lady who we are really excited about. Her name is Angel. Elder Summerhays and I found her and left her with a Book of Mormon. We committed her to read 3rd Nephi 11. When we went back we asked her if she read. She said yes but Elder Summerhays didn't believe her because many people don't read. But, she then started explaining the chapter to us! But that's not all, she also had a page full of notes! Her notes included "la doctrina"! After transfers Elder Follett and I went to see her and she had started from 1st Nephi 1. She had notes from that too! She said she believes it's true. We left her with 2nd Nephi 31 and we committed her to pray to know after she reads. When we go back and she has a testimony we are going to committ her for baptism. Then, we will need to get her a fellowshipper and get her to church. We have great faith that she will be baptized.

It's good to hear that all is well back home. I hope ya'll have an awesome week! Tell everyone ( the fam, soccer girls, everyone!) that I love them. I love ya'll.

Love,

Elder Barry Kreyling

e-mailing sister Janice

Hey!

I don't have time to write much but things are going well. I'm staying in Loudon for yet another transfer. Thanks for all the updates on the Heaton Fam! I love ya'll and hope you're doing great!

Love,

Elder Kreyling

E-mail 9/7/2010 Week 21

Hola Familia!!!

Yes, things are going well. Just one minor upset is that Israel, our hispanic investigator with a date, had to go back to Mexico. He didn't have a job or money so he had to go back. I was a bit sad. But, we got his info. to give to the Elders down there. He will be baptized... just not here haha.

Yes, the spanish studies are going well. I have learned quite a bit and can preach the Gospel in spanish. But, I can only do so slowly right now. It's been a journey picking up spanish again but it's been a blessing too. Oh yeah, we got "the call" on saturday and I'm staying in Loudon for another transfer while Elder Summerhays is leaving. I think I will be getting another spanish companion though. We saw President Griffin at the Mission office and he smiled and told me that they wouldn't keep me in Loudon forever. We kinda laughed about it haha. I just want to baptize here and then I don't care what they decide to do with me. I just want one baptism haha.

Yay! Thanks for sending that stuff. I will probably get it at transfer meeting. If I can get over to the Post office this week I will send mom's black bag along with a letter that I've been writing over the course of a week or so. Elder Summerhays hasn't wanted to plan time to write letters so I've been writing some while we are at the apartment for the night. Hopefully my new companion will want to take some time to write letters so I can send some more.

Oh, I spoke with an Elder Maxwell yesterday. He is the one who knows Shane and the O'dells. He said the O'dell's house used to be theirs. He is from St. George as well!

I've played soccer on one p day. I have also played ultimate frisbee a few times. Other than riding the bike the only exercise I usually get is from doing sit ups and push ups. We have also worked out at Bro. Howard's (Branch Mission leader) on a few P days including yesterday. I benched 160! Haha.

That's a nice pic of Losee. She flattened sadie? Haha awesome. Yeah, Elder Summerhays and I look about the same as that pic I would imagine. I'll get a pic of the two of us before transfers.

Sam! I hope things go well with the test! I shall pray for you I'll start a letter for ya. I miss and love ya too!

Mom! It's good to hear that you are helping the missionary effort. 33 out of the Mission's 35 baptisms this last month were from member referrals or part member families. I think a lot of members forget that every member is a missionary. That's a new goal I have for you, Dad, and Sam. Just befriend people and eventually you will be able to introduce them to the church and you can invite them to be taught by the missionaries

Haha, I'm glad to hear that people are liking the pics. I have not tried myself, but Elder Summerhays has not been able to send pics in emails. So, I will try but I may just have to continue sending them with a letter every once in a while.

Well, I need to be going now my time is almost up. But, know that I love you all greatly. The Church is true!

Love,

Elder Kreyling

Hand Written Letter 8/24/2010

Dear Mom & Dad,

Hey sorry about the last couple weeks . We had a district activity that took most of the first P-day that I dind’t write . today, we were with bro. Howard, our branch mission leader, who I think was in one of pics from the memory card. I think it was either him or bro. Atkins that you asked who it was. Anyways, we were with bro. Howard most of the day. We went over and were out with him and he took us out for lunch ! then, we went to the library to email, but all the working computers were taken. We had to wait for one to open up and we took turns on that one. That’s why I couldn’t write much. Plus, we were there a bit before they closed. So yeah fun stuff. But, if p-days continue to be the same with my new comp. the e-mail should be a bit shorter and the letters longer Anyways, moving on to Israel, he came to church two Sundays ago. He said he like it and likes us. It makes him feel good. I told you he was committed on the exchange. They had him read 3rd Nephi 11. After he read it he say something like “oh I need to be baptized .” so, they gave him a date of the 4th of July and he accepted. Then, ElderSummershays and I went over to continue teaching him. He told us his dad health isn’t very good and he might go to Mexico. That was on Thursday and we have not been able to contact him since We will continue trying though. It is a bit difficult to do so now because he lives in Lenoir city. We don’t have many miles left because the mission as a whole went over by 5,000 miles last month! When they realized that, half way through this month they took miles away from most of the companionships. We went from 1,550 to 1,100. So, we don’t have many miles left for the remaining of the month. So, we are trying to get rides to our district meetings/exchange which are in Rochwood (3o miles one way).But if we go to Lenoir city and back that’s all of our miles for the day. Then, we ride our bikes Haha oh good grief it has been exiting the last few days. The Lord will helps though But things have been going well. Oh I could use a good bike pump. One of those smaller ones that look kinda like a rod. I am also running low on vitamins. If ya’ll could send those things that would be awesome! Oh, I can’t remember if I said this, but the Spanish is coming slowly but surely Well, I need to be going now. But I love ya’ll
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Love,

Elder Kreyling

E-mail 8/30/2010 Week 20

Hey Familia!!!

First of all I did send a letter and I thought it would have arrived already. I'm not sure how long it should take but I sent it last Wednesday. But, the other things I need are vitamins and a good bike pump. The one they gave me doesn't work very well haha. Anyways things are going well. I think I wrote this in my letter but halfway through this month we had a lot of miles taken from us. The Mission somehow went over by 5,000 last month. When the Mission found that out they took miles away from every companionship. We went from 1,550 to 1,100. So, we have been riding our bikes around a lot lately haha. Today, Bro. Howard (Branch Mission Leader) took us golfing! It was fun for the most part. Elder Summerhays is the driver and he had the keys in his golf bag. But, he took his camera out, which was in the same pocket as the keys, before we went over this rickety bridge. Somehow the keys fell out! We went back to look for them but couldn't find them. So, we've been calling around trying to get spare keys for the car and apartment. Oh goodness fun times! Haha I think we'll be ok though. Some good news is that our hispanic investigator, Israel, is apparently back from Mexico. I can't remember if I told you but he had a date and we were teaching him and everything. One night he told us his dad's health wasn't good and he might go to Mexico. We lost contact with him shortly after that. But, I guess he called our spanish speaking member and wanted to come to church yesterday. The member went over there quite early and Israel didn't answer the door. But, he's back! We are going to contact him asap and recommit him! Oh and the Spanish is coming slowly but surely. I've taught portions of lessons but Elder Summerhays teaches most of the spanish ones. But, I am learning it. I'm just wondering if President wants me to do spanish work from now on or what. I guess we'll find out soon. Transfers are only a little over a week away! Well, I need to get going. I love ya'll!!! Give my love to family, friends, and the girls!

Love,

Elder Kreyling

E-mail 8/23/2010 Week 19

Sorry Familia!!!

I won't be able to write much in this email. We got here late and they will begin to close down soon. This past week we went on an exchange with the Zone Leaders! One of them is a Spanish speaking elder and he came to Loudon with Elder Summerhays. We got back in contact with Israel, our Spanish investigator, and on the exchange they went and committed him for the fourth of September. He said yes!!! I'll go more in depth about that in my letter. But, yes I'm fine and things are going alright. Well i need to go soon. But, shorter emails and longer letters would probably be better for now. In fact, I have not even been able to print these emails and read them later because the printers here don't work! So, if ya'll could print them and send them too that would be sweet! You've asked a couple times if I need anything. Well, I do now. The Church does not have a pocket size New Testament which I could really use. I'll explain why in my letter. Also, I could use some Melatonin. I don't sleep well for some reason even though I'm dead tired. There are one or two other things that I can't remember right now so I'll write those in my letter as well. Well, I love ya'll. You're the best family a guy could ask for

Love,

Elder Kreyling

Family 2010

Look at us. We are all waiting for an e-mail or letter from Barry that didn't come on his p-day. We hope he sent a letter. If he did we usually get those on Friday or Saturday.

A hand written letter from Elder Kreyling

Aug. 9, 2010

Dear Mom & Dad,

Things are going well. I am grateful that I have the opportunity to learn Spanish. We have an hour of Language study each day! I usually read aloud (quietly) from Preach my Gospel or the Book of Mormon. If I run into a word or phrase I don’t understand, I will look it up. Thanks for all of the stuff! Oh, BTW I need to apologize for not writing the past few weeks. This may be a bit random, but I also apologize for all the times that I have not been a good son. Though, I don’t believe you will admit that. But I am sorry for the trials I’ve put you through. I hope that I’m making you proud now even though I’ve not had a baptism yet. I love you both so much. You’re best parents I could have ever ask for.

O.k., that was the serious part of my letter haha. I think I told you in my Email, but I used my bike for the first time this past week! It was exiting It’s a nice bike too. Oh, I got an update on my mission card. I have $250! I haven’t spent it all every month, so it’s been adding up. Plus I was reimbursed $60 for my luggage fees So, I guess I’m doing ok budgeting my money. How are Darrin & Ben doing? Have they been or are they in leadership? I hope they are doing good. Well, I need to be going now. I hope ya’ll have a good week! I love ya’ll!”

Love,

Elder Kreyling

E-mail 8/09/2010 Week 17

From: Barry Ryan Kreyling
Subject: Re: Hola hijito!!
To: "morena kreyling"
Date: Monday, August 9, 2010, 10:20 AM

Hola Familia!!! Things have gone fairly well this past week. We have a hispanic investigator that we have been teaching for about a week. His name is Israel. He has seemed pretty solid. He lives in a small apartment and doesn't have a job right now. He said he would come to church yesterday but he needed a ride. So, we had a member go pick him up but he didn't open the door. So, after church we went to see a member who is recovering from an infection in his leg. Then, we had our studies. After that we went to see Israel to see what happened. Elder Summerhays saw him through the screen door and said he was just sitting there staring at us with a beer in his hand while listening to his stereo. Elder Summerhays waved a couple times but it didn't seem to phase Israel. We will try back soon. Hopefully he's sober when we go back.

I asked Elder Summerhays and he said his dad is not Troy. He said others have asked him that before. He is apparently related to the people who own Summerhays' Music. I'll write more in my letter.

The leak in our apartment has been fixed! Everything has dried up as well. Oh, I got to use my bike for the first time this past week! I never used it with Elder Badal because of his toe. Then, when his toe was better he discovered there was something wrong with his bike. Oh, yes the chiggers are gone. There are just marks, almost like scars, where they were. But, no more itching! Yay!!! Haha.

My goodness. Ryan already had his farewell?! Could you find out his address for me? Jake is turning his papers in soon?! I was just thinking and I realized I've been out for almost four months now. Man, time is going too fast.

That's good to hear that the girls are looking good. Amy is still recovering? That's rough. I believe they will do well. Tell the girls I love them!

Yes, I got the package full of spanish supplies. Thanks! There was already some spanish stuff that I had been using but the stuff you sent will really help. Kaylee and Regan sound like they are growing up fast! Man, she is speaking in sentences and saying her abc's. Time is really going by too fast. Well, thanks for the thoughts and everything. I will write more in my letter tonight. I gotta get going. I love ya'll!!!!!!

Love,

Elder Kreyling

E-mail Week 16 8/2/2010

Hello Family!

This past week was transfers and I got a new companion. His name is Elder Summerhays. He is 6 feet 6 inches tall! He seems pretty cool thus far. He is a Spanish speaking Elder and so we are doing Spanish work here. I get to have language study to learn Spanish every day now! Pretty cool. Although, after being involved with Spanish work for these last few days, I'm not sure it's for me. It may just be that I can't really communicate much with them right now. But, President Griffin asked me to do this so I will. Over the last week or so we have heard a dripping noise in our apartment. We didn't really know where it was coming from. We didn't think much of it. Today, we found that part of the floor in our bedroom was quite wet! We were trying to figure our where the water was coming from. After some time, I opened the vent thing for the ac unit. To my surprise, there was a cube like hole under the unit... and it was filled with water!!! So, we got some bowls and emptied it as best we could. Then, we got some old towels and used them to soak up as much water as possible. Then, we had to put some bowls in the hole to stop everything from getting even more soaked. We are going to talked with the Mission Office to see what should be done. BTW we live upstairs so we are worried it's affecting the downstairs That was one of the more exciting things that happened this week. I'll let you know what's going on with our apartment soon. Janet was at church. The sisters told us she set a goal to be baptized on the 21st. We talked with her and tried playing dumb..."We heard from the sisters you have something you want to tell us?". But, she wouldn't tell us. Sigh. We will figure something out and I will let you know what happens. That is pretty much it. Oh, I did get letters from Jule, Jamie, Linda and the kids. Tell them thank you for me. I'll write them a letter soon. Did Sam get my letter? I'll send her another. Well, I need to get going. I love ya'll!!!

Love,

Elder Kreyling

E-mail Week 15 7/26/2010

Elder Kreyling and Elder Badal: Transfers Wednesday make this there last few days together. Elder Badal has been great and we appreciate all he has done to "train" Barry and get him off to a good start on his mission.

Hello Familia!!!!!!!!!!

It sounds like things are going well back home. Hmmm, Elder Badal only has one brother so if I told you he was entering the MTC that was a mistake. Oooops. I've been trying lately to write more in my journal. But, after a full day of working, usually almost non-stop, it's pretty much the last thing I want to do haha. But, I am trying. I did get the package, letters, and memory card. Thank you!!! The chigger bites and dermatits are both almost cleared up. Transfers are on Wednesday this week. We got a call on Saturday and I am... staying in Loudon. We will find out on Wednesday where Elder Badal is being transferred to.
I can't remember if I told you but we tracted into the Hermans. They are a family of like ten. Seriously. Two best friends married two brothers and they have siblings and kids living with them. Anyways, we talked with them about the Restoration and the Book of Mormon. They seemed pretty interested and invited us back. We went back with two copies of the Book of Mormon. We finished teaching them the Restoration and left the Books of Mormon with chapters to read. We went back this last Thursday and as we pulled around the corner they went inside their home. We knocked on the door and one of the husbands came out and told us we caught them at a bad time. He was giving us excuse after excuse. So, we left and are going back to see what is up.

So, Janet's mother, Melissa, and her brother, Norman, were baptized by Sisters living from a different area even though they all live in our area. We call this poaching. Melissa had been seeing the Sisters for six months. The Sisters should have turned it over to the Elders who were in Loudon at that time but for some reason it didn't happen. Anyways, Melissa and her kids were fellowshipped in Rockwood. She wanted to be baptized but she also wanted to attend the Rockwood Branch. She was told she needed to attend the Loudon Branch. She was very upset at that idea and delayed her and her son's date. She eventually agreed to go half and half with Rockwood and Loudon and she and Norman were baptized by the sisters. It seems like she doesn't really like us or the Loudon Branch at times. At other times she does seem to like us. It's kinda crazy and frustrating. Once we actually knew about this family the sisters referred us to Janet so we could start teaching her. She didn't really seem interested in being baptized. We taught her the word of wisdom and extended an invitation to be baptized this last Saturday. This happened a couple weeks ago BTW. Anyways, Melissa was pretty upset that we threw a date out there. She said it was Janet's decision. We tried explaining to her why we give investigators dates to work toward but she was set in what she said. Anyways, they went up to Rockwood for church yesterday. We called the Sisters because they have an investigator who can't read and we have a member who has The Book of Mormon on cassette tapes. Our member never uses it though so she said we could give it to them. So, we called the sisters and told them we had those tapes for them. They then told us that Janet said she wanted to work towards being baptized on the 21st of August!!! They said she is going to tell us at church so we need to act surprised. So, please continue to pray for Janet. The main obstacle for her is her sweet tea. If we can get her mother to help her she will do it.

I feel impressed to end with my testimony. I KNOW this church is true. It is Christ's true church restored to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith. I know the Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith sealed his testimony of it with his death. I know that this missionary work is what the Lord has asked me to do. I know that these things are true. I leave this simple testimony with you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Love,

Elder Kreyling

E-mail Week 14 7/19/2010

From: Barry Ryan Kreyling
Subject: Re: July 19th 2010
To: "morena kreyling"
Date: Monday, July 19, 2010, 9:35 AM

Hello!!!

Things are still going well. The Branch is still supportive. We are still trying to get the members to come to our teaching appointments. We had quite a few member present lessons one week. Most other weeks have only resulted in one or two though. It is a very interesting situation with Janet. I said before that her mother is a recent convert. So, we thought that since her mother knows of the blessings of becoming a member, she would want her daughter to be baptized. Right? I think I told you that we extended an invitation for Janet to prepare to be baptized on the 24th of this month. Well, her mother interrupted our invitation and told us that we would not give her daughter a date. She said it would be Janet's decision what day she gets baptized. She was pretty upset. We asked if she would help Janet set goals to quit sweet tea. She said she would. We asked Janet on Sunday if she had given it up. She said no. We asked if she had even tried. No. Sigh... We will continue to work with her. We are going to see if the sister missionaries can talk to her about it. If we try telling her what's up she will probably get upset again haha. Anyway, we tracted into a family recently. The two young women, Desiree and Karen I believe, are best friends and they married two guys who are brothers. Karen has two siblings living with them. Both couples have kids. There are like ten people living in this house haha. But, Karen and Desiree seem the most promising. They are "curious" and "interested" in learning about the Book of Mormon and what we believe!!! We are excited and we hope we can get the rest of them interested too! Well, that is the highlight of this week. We are helping the Assistants move some other missionaries. So, I need to get going. I love ya'll!!!

Love,

Elder Kreyling

3 Month Mark

Elder Barry Kreyling has reached the three month mark already! We of course miss him but are pleased he is doing the work of the Lord.

E-mail Week 13 7/12/2010

Hello Family!!! The chigger bites are doing better. I have had them for three weeks or so. I'm not sure if I've ever actually said this but you may have noticed that I can't stand being itchy! I told President Griffin about them and he wrote a prescription for some corticosteroid cream. It's convenient having a Mission President who is also a Doctor Haha while I'm on that topic I think I may have contact dermatitis or something. We bought some new (different) laundry detergent. I did a load the other day and ever since I've been wearing the clothes washed by the new detergent I've been itchy! I don't know if detergent can do that or not but we are going to the Mission Office today so I will talk to President about it.

We met with Janet and her Mother on Thursday. We taught them the word of wisdom. It went ok. We tried to involve Janet as much as possible. We asked her questions but she would just stare at us. She knows the stuff she just doesn't like answering questions apparently. At the end we extended an invatation to be baptized and her mom cut us off and told us we would not give her daughter a date to be baptized on. She said that Janet will decide the date for herself. So, it seems as though we are working against the mother on this one, who is a recent convert herself. Her mom said that she would help Janet set goals to stop drinking sweet tea. Then, she told Janet she is going to tempt her with sweet tea! AHHHHH!!! Sigh, it is an interesting situation indeed.

Anyways, that's sad news about Mike Hopefully they figure out what's up. I'm glad to hear that Ben and Darrin are doing well. It's hard to believe that they only have that much time left. I thought I told you that we were halfway through our second transfer. I guess I forgot, sorry. Well, in just two days, I believe, I will hit my three month mark! Wow, time is flying by!

That's lame that the world cup final was boring. Oh well. It's good to hear that the yard is coming along. It'll be nice having grass when I get back

Well, I need to be going now we have lots to do. I love ya'll!!!!!! XOXOXOXOXOXO

Love,

Barry

Back Roads

Elder Kreyling and Elder Badal on the back roads of Tennessee

Letters From Elder Kreyling Dated 7/5/2010

Elder Barry Kreyling bumps into Elder Austin Hall at a bi-mission conference

Elder Kreyling

Elder Kreyling and his companion Elder Badal on p-day

Dear Mom,
How are you? Things are going well here. The branch has more faith and hope I believe. We are planning on committing a recent converts daughter for baptism. We have not established contact with the family yet. We will try them again this week. I'll let you know how it goes. There are many bugs here in the south. I have some chiggers(I believe) on my legs. They won't go away. They are driving me crazy! I will talk to President Griffin the next time I see him. He might know a trick or two. That reminds me, we asked President and Sister Griffin if they would have dinner with us when we baptize. They said yes! Yay! We told him we would have dinner at our place and that we would cook. But, we don't have any recipes or anything. We were thinking of Steak and shrimp scampi. : ) Do you know of a good recipe for that? Or do you have good recipes for something else? Well I need to be going now. I love you! XOXOXOXO
P.S. I'm sending the memory card.
Love, Elder Kreyling

Dear Dad,
How are things going? Are you conditioning the girls? How are they looking? Give my love to them. We are at the Martinsen's, a senior couple, right now Elder Badal is e-mailing and I'm writing right now. The libraries are closed right now and so is the mission office so we had to find a computer to e-mail on. How was the 4th of July for ya'll? We didn't go watch the fireworks. There will be time for that after the mission. : ) We are going to commit a recent convert's daughter this week. Please pray for her. She really likes drinking sweet tea. That is the biggest concern.... Well overall things are going well. We have only had a few doors slammed in our faces thus far : ) We really want to baptize this transfer and I believe we will : ) But, I need to be going now. I'll send you a letter next week next week to let you know how it went. I love you!
Love, Elder Kreyling : )

Some Photos From Elder Kreyling (Finally)

Walking on a back road in Tennessee

Barry and His Companion Elder Badal

Elder Kreyling with his District in the MTC

Elder Kreyling with his District in the MTC

Elder Kreyling MTC at the Provo Temple

MTC

Striking a pose on p-day

MTC District at the Temple

Elder Wright, Elder Frehner and Elder Kreyling at Provo Temple

Elder Kreyling with District in MTC bedroom. Below Barry and his companion in the MTC

E-mail Week 12 7/5/2010

These people need to know that the Book of Mormon is true and that it doesn't go against what the bible says! That reminds me of something. We were out tracting in the evening a week or so ago and we met this guy outside of his house. Elder Badal thought he had been talking too much so he vowed that he wouldn't speak the rest of the night. Cool. Anyway I was talking with this guy for a couple of minutes and I brought up the Book of Mormon. He said he read it and he disagreed with it. I asked him what he disagreed with so we could resolve his concerns. He said, "I don't like how it talks about the prophet.". I stood there for a moment and asked, "Joseph Smith?". He replied that was it. I said, "Sir, the Book of Mormon doesn't even mention Joseph Smith's name.". Unless he's talking about the introduction to 2 Nephi 3, I'm not sure that he has actually read the Book of Mormon. We run into similar situations daily. The protestant churches have marquees where they put up their thoughts for the week or something. On one marquee it said, "Honk if you love Jesus, text while driving if you want to meet him." and another said, "Band of the free, home of the saved."...??? Anyways, that's just a sample of what we get to read on their marquees. It's interesting stuff. Well, we are going to commit a recent convert's daughter for baptism this week. She has a problem with drinking sweet tea though. We have faith that she will give it up though. We are going to the Tittsworth's house again this week to try contacting them. They seemed so promising so we aren't going to give up. We have found some new potential investigators that we are hopeful about. The work is slowly but surely progressing! Well I need to get going now. I love all ya'll!!!!

Love,

Elder Kreyling