Germany Week 33

Hmm de dum de dum.

We started off last week by wandering around this Island called Sylt with our district. It was fun, but I get the impression it's more of a summertime destination. It was Cold and overcast. Actually, we were in a city called Westerland, which if I'm not mistaken is the subject of one of those songs that Josey Pookins brought back with him in the good old days. It never made any sense to me. Maybe it would make more sense now. (It might also help that I speak German now....)

On Tuesday I had a pretty intense Tausch with Elder Koppe aus the Niederlände, one of our Zone leaders. We were able to make out a couple appointments with people on the street, all of which fell through, but y'know, so ist das Leben. We also did a bunch of doors, and met a really cool guy, who let us in with the comment, "Heh. Come in. This could be funny." He was very willing to discuss and listen, and it was nice to talk with him. Elder Hardman and I went back to him the next day, since we didn't have a Book of Mormon with us when we met him, and we had another nice discussion. He doesn't seem to be anything more than curious, but I'm definitely glad we were there. We weren't able to make out another return appointment, but we'll definitely try by on him again.

We ended up spending a large portion of our Thursday and Friday helping a member Family prepare for their son's Wedding reception part II - Part one was down in Frankfurt the week before. When our appointment fell through, it gave us extra time to move benches around and hang up hearts, flowers and butterflies. Just what I always wanted. Nah, it wasn't really that bad. And I was glad to be able to help. Everything was pretty hectic for them. Then on friday night, we actually went to the reception, which was super weird. I mean, it's awkward enough to be at the wedding reception of people you don't know as a normal person. But to be there as a missionary... weird. It was nice though, and actually not as awkward as I thought it would be when we first got there.

Saturday morning we went down to Rendsburg where we had a Straßenaustellung. It was quite the party. I was the guy who stands there who hangs onto the pole on the back of the Austellung display for dear life. Those are really cool, but we couldn't have designed a better sail. Before that, we played Soccer with some ward members... It's always nice to be reminded of how clumsy I am and how slow my reactions are. My best moment was when I went to kick the ball, but instead got my foot caught in a net hanging from the ceiling along the back wall, swung up in the air, and landed a very graceful belly flop. Oh daddy, yes.

In the afternoon, we were able to have a couple good appointments, including one with F where we were able to discuss the Baptismal interview questions. I think it helped give him a much better idea of what it means to prepare for Baptism, and should help toward making stronger progress.

Then yesterday we had Branch Conference, which was quite the party. We had all three hours of church, but it still felt really short. In this branch, they usually just have Sacrament and either Sunday school or Priesthood/Relief Society, which always feels like nothing. One thing that was super exciting was that President Müller, with whom we spent a good deal of time with in Elmshorn was there, and he taught priesthood. It was great. All of the meetings were very uplifting, and provided a good opportunity to press forward with refreshed vigor. Afterward, we had Gemeindeessen (aka FOOD) and in the evening a couple of nice member lessons. Looking back on it, it was a really nice week. Oh - and I almost forgot - as I was stacking up the tables after Gemeindeessen, I seem to've let them all slip and destroy my finger. I don't think it's really too bad, but it sure made typing this quite the party. I've just got one finger less, but sometimes it takes trying to type with it to remind me of that...

Well kids, I believe I'd best run. Love your guts! I know that God is our Heavenly Father. He knows us, loves us and cares about us. We will get the most out of our lives as we follow him. Have a marvelous week!