Woche 32: Kilometer und mehr Kilometer

Woche 32: Kilometer und mehr Kilometer

 
Montag 
On Monday, we went to a beautiful little village in the Black Forest. It is called Neukirch. There was snow everywhere! It was so pretty. I also bought two ties. Fun fact: I came out with 18 ties. I now have 56 ties. And I have spent less than 15€ on them. A lot of them I aqquired from stuff missionaries left behind. I might have an obsession.

 
Dienstag

Tuesday we had a lesson with Herr "G". He lives an hour away from us so it is a pretty long drive. Well, we found a couple people who said that they have interest. I have learned on my mission how to communicate with people without having a full depth conversation. We met a lady from Romania and she didn't speak German or English, so we showed her the Book of Mormon and said Jesus Christ, God loves us in German and she accepted it. The language of the spirit is truly a miracle. And after we went contacting, we went to our appointment with Herr "G". We introduced the Plan of Salvation. It was such a good lesson. We explained the doctrine of the after life. He understood and accepted everything. He is very open and he prays about what we teach as well to find out for himself. He liked the fact that most of God's children would live in a kingdom of glory, despite the fact of not living directly with him.

 
Mittwoch

Wednesday, we went down to another part of our area called Blumberg and Löffingen. We went out finding but no one would listen. So we decided to go visit a less active that was in the area. Bruder Abt lives in Löffingen all by himself. No one has visited him in like 10 years. It is such a sad situation. He still believes in Joseph Smith and the Restoration makes complete sense to him, but he doesn't agree with all of the doctrines of the church. It made me realize something. We can't change doctrine because we don't agree with them. God is the master of the doctrines. We can't tweak them and fix them. We don't always agree, but we just need to study and come to the  knowledge as to why this doctrine is there, why God made it that way. 

 
Donnerstag

Thursday, we had our District meeting in Singen. We also had our Interviews with President Kohler. We discussed Agency and some other stuff within that. 

 
Freitag

We had another lesson with Herr "G". We discussed the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is just a wonderful man. He has such a big desire to learn more about the restored church and to come closer to Jesus Christ. 

Well, this week was so awesome. I love being a missionary and having the opportunity to serve the Lord 24/7. Have an awesome week.

 

Celebrating Elder Bowler's gift of a reservation at a restaurant that serves American Style Hamburgers and fries

Lovely dinner with the amazing "Z" family who takes such good care of our missionaries!

Woche 31: eine neue Versetzung

Liebe Mutter,

The time feels like nothing! It is just flying by. It is just unbelievable.

Well, Elder Hancey is pretty great. He is a relaxed missionary but gets the job done. By that, I mean that he doesn't jump the shot too soon. But I think that we get along pretty well. 

I did get the book, thanks so much!

No luck with my bag...

Could you move the photos please, haha. I will try to update the dropbox. 

 
Woche 31: eine neue Versetzung

This week has been so good. We met so many wonderful people ready to listen. We met a couple and their granddaughter. They told us no and that they didn't want to change or read the Book of Mormon. But they invited us in to have some water. And then they started feeding us. No lesson or anything, but God is preparing them in other ways. And then we had a lesson with a man who lives an hour and half a way. He was a self referral and just loves what we have to say. He said he wants to come to church and he has been reading in the Book of Mormon. It is just great. He is so happy. I just truly know that this gospel changes peoples lives and makes them so much more happier. Jesus Christ truly is our Savior. He suffered for us and knows all of our pains. We can turn to Him in time of need, when no one else seems to be there, He is there waiting for you to turn to Him and say, please Lord, I truly do need thee every hour. He can bless us in unimaginable ways. I know this to be true, I have seen it in my own life. I know that this gospel is the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness. I know that we have a living prophet who receives new and modern revelation for us. We have the opportunity to receive this same revelation for ourselves personally through the study of scriptures and prayer. I know this to be true with my entire being. That is why I am here, to serve the Lord and help him accomplish His work. I love you all and hope this week is wonderful. 

Mit Liebe,

 

Michael's District

Woche 30: Versetzung

Liebe Mutter,

I will be staying in Schwenningen for a fifth transfer. My new companion is Elder Hancey. He is from Utah and will be leaving in two transfers.

Did you get the package? Did the marshmallows survive? I am sure this was the lamest package but oh well lol.  The next one will be better.   I did get the package.  I loved the package! Candy, homemade marshmallows, sticky notes, and sharpie pens. Seriously, I love it and so does everyone else. The marshmallows did survive. And I love you too! I love the pens! They just write so comfortably.

Do you need anything?  I do have one small request. A new German book. The one I have is way to simple. But I heard of one that is extremely good. It is called Hammer's German Grammar and Usage. If you could find the newest edition for under 10 dollars that would be great. If not, the previous edition will work. Elder Young said he got the previous edition for 5 dollars but the newest has a pronuciation guide.

I love the weekly snail mail letters. I think they have just the right amount of stuff in them. 

"J" is doing good. He can come to all three hours of church now. We are starting to explain Joseph Smith and the Restoration again. And he liked the book!

Woche 30: Versetzung
 

Montag

Last Monday, we had the wonderful opportunity to visit Triberg. It used to be the border of France and Germany some time ago. They also have the highest waterfalls in Europe. I ate an amazing Schwarzwälder Berliner. It tasted so good. And surprise, I bought a tour guide to the Black Forest in French... And also a pin that has the German and French flag together. So just a language tip:

English: The Black Forest

Deutsch(German): Der Schwarzwald

Français(French): La  Forêt  Noire

I might be a little obsessed but that's okay. Anyway, It was so pretty there as always. And then we traveled back home and went to the Seeborg family for Family Home Evening. They made some awesome chicken dish with a mushroom onion sauce on top. We ate it with Spätzle. And then afterwards we sang and then read out of the New Testament for children.

Dienstag

Tuesday, we went to Singen for Zone Training. President Kohler is starting to lay the law down. It's great. He even told us we should be speaking German from 9-9 everyday. That will be interesting. And then we discussed the importance of the Book of Mormon. As stated many times over, our church completely depends on the Book of Mormon. That is why we must have a testimony of it along with Joseph Smith. That is why we as members and missionaries stress the Book of Mormon so much. Because it is the keystone. After Zone Training, I had an exchange with Elder Young in Bad Säckingen. Apparently people actually celebrate Three Kings Day. No idea how, but they do.

Mittwoch

Wednesday we didn't see much luck. But we tried out the whole speak German all day thing and it went really well. Something I thought about though on Wednesday and Friday is this. We are good missionaries if we can meet the two requirements. 1) of course being a good teacher and following the spirit. And 2) if we are ready at all times to be a missionary, to talk to someone, etc... On Wednesday we were ready at all times to talk to people and stuff and although no one took up on our offer, I still felt successful because we need to respect other people's free agency.

Donnerstag

Thursday we had an exchange in Schaffhausen. We pretty much went out finding the entire day. Lately people have just started speaking to us in English, it's weird.

Samstag

Drum roll please! rbmrbmrbmrbm... I will be staying in Schwenningen 2! Elder Thomas is going home and I will now be working with Elder Hancey. I am super excited to be working with him this coming transfer. I feel our area has been prepared and the Lord is beginning to harvest here. There truly are people prepared to embark on a new journey towards Christ. I know this to be true with my entire heart.

Woche 29: Silvesters

Michael's Mission President and Wife started a blog and I found this pic from the day he arrived in Munich!  LOVE IT!

Woche 29: Silvesters

So this week was quite similar. We went out finding a lot since our investigators didn't have time because of the holidays. But we had some great conversations. This week helped me realize the importance of this message we are bringing into the world. Everyone needs it. Literally. It doesn't matter if you are Christian or not. We have at least one thing in common, we are all God's children. And He loves us all equally.  That is why He sent His son for everyone. That is why He restored His church. That is why we have this wonderful message. To help people look towards God and receive much more happiness than we can imagine. 

What did you do for NYE? We went to a party at the church. They sang songs in Schwäbisch and perhaps Badisch. And then we watched fireworks outside of our window at home. Guess what!!!  I found some more people in our Family History. Look at Family Search and at David Hagel.  I found the parents and then it went back like 5 more generations because of someone else. On New Years Day no one was on the street so we did Family History. But I was trying to legitimize our Family History because there is incorrect information in certain places and then I found them! And I found where this Glückstal place is. It is in Moldova!  It is in between Ukraine and Romania. It used to belong to Russia so that is why everything says Russia. And there is also a cemetery in North Dakota with their graves.

Transfers are coming up, do you think you'll stay or go?  Do you feel ready for a change yet? You are such a great example, I know you will stay or go wherever the Lord sends you!  They usually keep missionaries in an area for 6 months. But, I feel ready to transfer. I would miss Schwenningen a bunch though. So I wouldn't mind staying here. Actually, I would love it.  And thanks! It is easier when to be a good example when you have great parents!

This past week I have also studied a lot on goals. I read a talk called the Fourth Missionary. And the Fourth Missionary is essentially obedient, loving and charitable, and has the will of God in place of his. Or in other words, His will is to do the Lord's work. It is not always easy, but he has the desire. It then proceeds to continually ask this question... Who are you and who will you become? Meaning, when everything temporal is taken away, who are you? What qualities will we have? What will it be like to stand next to us and then where do we want to go with this?

Sorry this week was so short. We just really didn't do a huge variety of stuff. 

Ich habe euch lieb!

 

Woche 28: Weihnachten!

Woche 28: Weihnachten!
 

Montag

Monday, after P-Day, we went to Brother Hönle's birthday party. There are seriously so many Filipinos in Germany. But, they made a bunch of Filipino food. It was amazing. At the end of the party, we gave a spiritual thought. We watched the "He Is The Gift" video. We asked everyone to think of ways that this wonderful gift of Jesus Christ has helped us. But another thing to consider, is how can we use this gift all year round? Christmas isn't the only time designated to celebrate Christ. Neither is Easter. We received an email a week ago from President Kohler asking us how we can keep this "Christmas" Spirit with us everyday of the year. Because, essentially, Christmas should just be a celebration of his birth and Easter His Resurrection and Atonement. They shouldn't be times where we turn nice and considerate. They aren't times to think about Christ and then forget about Him the day after. They aren't times to receive gifts upon gifts. They are truly miraculous days and events, however, they should motivate us for the entire year. Not just for a couple of weeks. They should bring us closer to Christ and prepare us for the rest of the year.

Dienstag

Tuesday, like always, we had District Meeting. And we discussed the importance of devastation. In a sense of when an investigator does not keep a commitment. Or we can apply it to whenever anyone does not keep commitments or the commandments. As Jeffery R. Holland said, this is eternal life in the balance. We cannot merely push off the fact that they are denying themselves blessings and eternal happiness. When someone does not read, keep the word of wisdom, the law of chastity, come to church, or anything else, we must be devastated. No matter who it is. We must still love them, however we must also show our concern for them. The fact still stands that they broke a promise to our Heavenly Father, whether it is the promise made through us on Earth, or the one made in Heaven a long time ago. And we need them to understand the seriousness of this matter. Afterwards, we gathered together in prayer before we set off to give a gift in Schaffhausen. The Schaffhausen Elders wrapped up "The Living Christ" And asked if we could help them hand them out. So we did and it was awesome. Then we went back home to attend another birthday party for Athena Justaga. She is the youngest daughter in the Justaga Family. There were someone different people there. It was quite a group. We had Germans, Filipinos, Americans, and Frenchmen. But we again had some amazing Filipino food. It was a great time.

Heiliger Abend

Mittwoch

On Christmas Eve, Wednesday, we went and visited a less active in Tuttlingen. He is only less active because he is home bound. But we had an awesome time with Brother Wolf. We had a good discussion about Charity. I shared one of my favorite scriptures. It is in Colossians 3:14. It says: And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. We then discussed a little of how we can have charity for one another. In fact, there is a small test that helps us self reflect our personal charity. It is Hymn 223 in the LDS Hymn Book. Here is the song.

        Have I Done Any Good?

1. Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.
Has anyone's burden been lighter today
Because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?

(Chorus)

Then wake up and do something more
Than dream of your mansion above.
Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,
A blessing of duty and love.

2. There are chances for work all around just now,
Opportunities right in our way.
Do not let them pass by, saying, "Sometime I'll try,"
But go and do something today.
'Tis noble of man to work and to give;
Love's labor has merit alone.
Only he who does something helps others to live.
To God each good work will be known.

(Chorus)
Then wake up and do something more
Than dream of your mansion above.
Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,
A blessing of duty and love.

We can take these questions and apply them personally morning and evening to better ourselves. After this discussion, Brother Wolf asked us to visit Sister Bous while she doesn't have many visitors. So we went with the other Elders, prepared to carol for her. But we knocked on her door, and we sang to her a couple of songs. She was so thankful. She then told us to sit and explained that her son  told her not to come over for Christmas Eve even though they live three blocks from one another. She was torn. But we saw gleam in her eyes as we answered a silent prayer of comfort and love during this special time. I am so grateful for this wonderful gospel and for the revelation it brings. Without Brother Wolf, we might have never visited her. And then she read us a Christmas story she wrote herself. It was actually really good and comparable to us. And then we went and spent the rest of the evening with the Schwarzwälder Family. They invited her parents, the Becker couple, the Gulla twins, Jagadish, and us. We had an amazing evening with them. We sang hymns, read stories and had an amazing dinner. They made some potato stuff, Spätzle, and some other things. It was a night full of fun and the spirit as well. We played out the Nativity. And I was the Donkey, but apparently I was a good one, so all is well.

Der erste Tag Weichnachtens

Donnerstag

On Christmas Day, we had the wonderful opportunity to spend it with the Seeborg Family. They made such a delicious meal. We had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a very sweet but yummy cranberry sauce. Afterwards, they opened gifts, and they gave us Lebkuchen! It is so good! But then we were able to skype home! What a wonderful time that was. I didn't really realize how fast time was going by. I mean, I knew that time is just flying by, but as fast as I thought. I saw my parents, and felt like yesterday I said goodbye for two years. We really don't understand how little time we have on a mission. Every moment here is a time to be kept sacred.

Der zweite Tag Weihnachtens

Freitag

On Friday, or so called here in Germany, the second day of Christmas, we had the chance to go caroling with a new convert, Sister Birk. She is such an amazing woman and example of being a disciple of Christ. But, she arranged Lunch for us and a fancy little restaurant in Zollhaus. I had salmon, and halibut, or however you spell it, with noodles. It was so good! It was just perfect. And then we went and visited a cemetery. Sister Birk asked us to come with her as she visited the grave of her parents. And then we went over to an elderly lady to carol. She invited us in and then we sang. And then we went to the Nursing Home to sing to the elderly there. There were four floors and they all loved it. Even the workers enjoyed it. Oh, and Germans love Silent Night. It is their favorite hymn of all time. Granted, it is a beautiful song. And on this day, I realized something, kind of a comparison. Christmas is like Sunday. Sunday, we go and partake of the Sacrament and promise to do better. Thinking of ways we can improve while reflecting on the Savior in some fashion. During the Christmas time, we should be thinking about the birth of Christ, as well as what resulted from that birth; a perfect life and a glorious ministry, ending with a sacrifice that would save us all. Then towards the end of this season, we make goals for the coming year. Thinking of ways we can improve and things we want to accomplish. However, much of the time, we forget to personally tell God. We forget to promise to become better. We forget to ask for help. While Sunday to Sunday can bring much success, we often forget to have a bigger picture, which in many ways is our New Years Resolution. When we use this time to become serious about lifting our selves higher and looking more deeply into the Light, we can have the eternal perspective and use Sundays as stepping stones to accomplishing our New Years Resolution. My goal this year, is to not reach and accomplish my New Years Resolution, is to give meaning behind it as well. I don't want it to just be a bucket list like every other year. I want it to actually be a Resolution. I want to resolve my flaws and weaknesses through Christ and lift myself higher. I want to use Sundays as times to reflect this yearly goal or resolution and work on the smaller goals I make in order to keep me focused.

Samstag

Saturday, we visited Brother Wolf again. But, this time he invited us over to feed us! It was really good. We ate chicken, fired the German way as well as potatoes and veggies. And then we read out of the Book of Mormon. We read Moroni 7: 48. We discussed what it meant to be filled with love and to become His followers. Afterwards, we drove to the Gheorge's house. We ate the pig from last week and some cabbage roll thing. Apparently it was Romanian but it was very German as well. But, one thing you definitely learn on the mission is how to deal with crazy kids, haha. They are good kids, just extremely hyper.

Sonntag

Sunday was really weird, because we didn't have Church. We had too much snow for people to drive out. We were really confused and lost! I never realized how much it could effect us.

Happy New Years!

Woche 27: ein Austausch für die ganze Woche?

Woche 27: ein Austausch für die ganze Woche?

Montag

Well, to start the week off being away from Schwenningen, we went to Singen for P-Day. We went there to play Basketball with the Schaffhausen Elders, the Singen Elders, and the Singen Sisters. It was a lot of fun. Of course, I don't get that intense and neither did Sister Kutschke, so we kind of had our own party on the Basketball court. Funny right? Unfortunately, we missed our train going back to Schwenningen, so we had to stay an hour later.  I went with Elder Wilkins to some store and the guy was way nice. We started talking and then he started speaking English and then he gave us a 10% discount because we were missionaries. He said we can keep that discount forever. So, I bought the gift for this week. We will be having a gift exchange in District meeting tomorrow. And then we went out to go finding after we got back and showered. We had some great conversations. The "He is the Gift" movement is working really well. It is a great finding tool.

Dienstag bis Donnerstag

Tuesday to Thursday was all one big exchange. Tuesday to Wednesday I was in Bad Säckingen with Elder Acuna Moreno. And then on Thursday I was in Schaffhausen with Elder Meyer. Both were actually really similar. We went by on some less actives and then went out finding. But on Wednesday I started an amazing personal study on Charity. It has actually taken me until today (Monday) to study and I am still not done. I will send some notes next week.

Freitag

Friday morning we exchanged back in Geisingen and then we went back home to eat lunch. Then we went to Gutmadingen. We were going by on some people that we met earlier. One lady wasn't home so we went by on someone else. He is 15 and looks 30. Last week we invited him to watch Er ist das Geschenk and then to share it with his family. He said he would. This week he said he watched it and really enjoyed. He said he felt the spirit during the video. He said that his parents didn't want to watch it though. Then we asked him if we could come by again and share a small Christmas message. All of a sudden he started to get really defensive and told us they didn't need this and that they had a faith and belief already and that we shouldn't come back. We should go help those who don't have a faith. And then I had a strong impression to tell him what this message entailed. We told him that this message isn't only for those who didn't have a faith. This message will help us all build our faith that we already have. Our message is about the true restored Gospel. We told him that we believe in something other Christians don't believe in. Or at least that it doesn't exist anymore. We bore our testimonies of Prophets and told him this message could help him and his family. He then accepted the invitation and said we could come back. It was a very special experience of how the Holy Ghost works.

Samstag

On Saturday, we had a once in a life time experience. We slaughtered a pig, with Romanians. Unfortunately I don't have pictures, or very many because my camera decided to die on me. So I will borrow them from the other Elders next week. But it was definitely crazy. The couple kept talking back and forth in Romanian and it was so funny. And they also eat the skin right after they are done burning the pig. It was something else. But that took a long time. And then we went to their house to eat it.

Sonntag

Sunday was a little weird but way spiritual. We had Church like always and it was really good. One of the speakers is from Oregon and had her talk translated by Elder Wilkins. He did a really good job at translating. She gave an amazing talk about how The Christmas Message is a Family Message. She talked about the Divine Roles each person played, Mary, Joseph and Jesus Christ. She also talked about the divine examples they give us. It was way good. And then we eventually went over to the Ziegner's for Lunch since they won't be here this week. They fed us Triangle Hash Browns called Rusties or something of the sort. And we also had pork with it. Then we went with them to a Nativity display. It was a lot of fun and some of the nativity sets were beautiful. Afterwards we went back to the parking lot and sang Stille Nacht and then said goodbye.

Woche 26: Weihnachten Konferenz

Liebe Mutter,

First, can you add the video He is The Gift to this entry? As well as The Nativity.

I cannot believe that I am about to hit my six month mark! Man, time is flying by! But every moment is so worth it. I can feel the power behind this calling. I can also feel the power behind the prayers sent to me and others as missionaries. Thank you so much!

I haven't found my bag yet, but we will be going to DB today to try and find it. So I will update you next on whether I need new scriptures or not.


So this week we come in contact with two new people to meet. We also found 2 new potentials. So this coming week, we will have 6 singles, 2 couples, and a family we will be teaching. The Lord truly is harvesting Schwenningen.

I for sure remember Zach! I can't believe he is finally leaving. I remember when all my friends got their mission calls and now they are leaving!

Woche 26: Weihnachten Konferenz

Montag

Well, Monday was fun. We took a nap and then went shopping. And then I bought a new suit because it was cheap and it fits really well. After that adventure, we went to the Family Schwarwälder's house. They are such an awesome family. They fed us an amazing taco salad. It tasted so good. And then we shared a spiritual thought. IT was a story out of the December 2013 Liahona. It talked about how our Heavenly Father knows us personally as well as our desires. Then we talked about how we can help our friends experience the gifts we receive from Him.

Dienstag

Tuesday, we had the wonderful opportunity to go to Züich and have our Christmas Conference. Well everything worked out until we printed off our tickets and we only had a ticket that could get us to Schaffhausen. So we went to Singen and met the Singen Sisters there. They for some reason had a four person ticket all the way there and back, but were only two people. So we went to Schaffhausen and tried to figure out this ticket situation. Unfortunately, Elder Thomas and Elder Bowler took too long I guess and missed the train. So it was just Elder Wilkins and I with the Singen and Schaffhausen Sisters and the Schaffhausen Elders. We made it to the Church just fine, but the other Elders were close to a hour late. But the conference was amazing. President and Sister Kohler gave amazing talks about Christmas. Sister Kohler expounded on the Church's Christmas initiative. She talked about how we need to discover the gift. Learn about His life and ministry. Read about His birth as well as His Atonement. We then need to embrace the gift. We need to accept His power to clean us from our sins. We need to accept His power to help us change and overcome obstacles. And finally, we need to share this gift. Good thing we are missionaries, because that part is easy for us! But as easy as it may be, we need to Humble ourselves to become as effective as we can be, because there is always room for improvement. We then had the opportunity to see the new fireside that will be starting in our mission and with our wards and stakes. In the middle, we had a wonderful meal provided by the FHV. And we also had a small gift exchange. Then we eventually got our packages and then had to journey back home. Oh, and we also got patches of our mission logo! So cool.

Getting his Christmas packages!  Not sure who the two Elders in front are.

Mittwoch

Wednesday, Elder Thomas and I drove all the way to München! It was roughly 264 km(164 miles) to get there. It took us about 3 hours and 35 minutes. It was a long ride. But we got there and received a new car! Yes! While we were there, we picked up our packages as well. And some new cards that go along with the new Christmas initiative. And one of the members there took us out for Dinner. Elder Thomas knew him from before when he was Zone Leader in München. I had an amazing Cordon Blea. Or however you spell it, haha.  After that, we had to make a long journey home. The ride was 321 km(199 miles) back. Unfortunately, there was a ton of traffic. And because of the traffic, we missed our exit. So we got stuck in stand still traffic. We eventually made off our new exit, but then we ran into a lot of construction which slowed us down. So what was supposed to be a 3 hour and 5 minute drive,  took us 5 and half hours, close to 6 hours. That was way too long!

Donnerstag

Thursday is where we were able to start the missionary work. We had a lesson with a less active in a place called Gutmadingen. So we decided to leave early and go dooring. While we were there, we actually met two people who had interest in this Christmas message and wanted us to come back. After that, we went and had a lesson with Brother Prinzwald. We watched the video and then discussed what it meant and how we can "Share the Gift". The lesson was pretty good. Afterwards we went to see "J". He asked us to explain Christmas and some of the traditions involved. He told us this was his very first Christmas ever, because he used to not be Christian. So we explained Christmas and showed some traditions we use to celebrate it. We ended by watching the video and inviting him to experience the true meaning of Christmas. We asked him to read the Christmas story contained within the Bible, as well as the accounts Nephi and other Prophets give in the Book of Mormon.

Freitag

Friday was fun as always! We helped a sister in our ward named Sister Steidle. She is 94 and decided to take a bus all the way up to Berlin. Now those of you who don't know how far south we are in Germany, the bus takes a little over 11 hours to arrive in Berlin. That is a long bus ride. But, she is visiting her Sister, and it may be the last time. So it is a well needed sacrifice and visit. This coming Friday we will welcome Sister Steidle home. And then we went home and planned for the week. Fun, but we accomplished a lot.

Samstag

Saturday we had our first exchange of the transfer. I was with Elder Bowler in my area. So we planned to go to Villingen We taught a couple who are from Russia (Russland in German). They are so sweet. She has such a love for the Bible and God. I only pray that she will have a desire to become closer to Him. We talked a little bit about the Restoration and the First Vision. Afterwards, we went by on some people, but unfortunately they weren't home. However, that doesn't stop us. We left some notes for them and tried talking to people on the way.

Sonntag

Sunday was amazing as always. "J" came to all three hours of church yesterday! I can see how much his countenance changes when he comes. We met with a GML(ward mission leader) and looked through the ward list. We developed a plan on how to "clean out the list. Many people on our list live and go to other wards and some people just don't exist. And then we had a wonderful Sacrament Meeting. It is always a good experience to renew covenants and start our week with a new slate. Afterwards, we went to a member's house who is home bound. We learned a little bit about him. And then we discussed how he can share the Gift of Christ. He was on fire. He had some awesome ideas and even asked for some pass along cards!

Well, I know that this is the church led by Christ. I know that we have a living Prophet who leads and guides us in the journey of life. I know that in this time of ever growing darkness, we can find comfort and the light, in Him, who is Christ. I know that during this time of excitement of Christmas and presents and Santa, it all comes back to Him who gives a way back to our loving Heavenly Father. 

Ich liebe dich!