Our tree is up above....

This is the Elders tree...

This tree is in the mall in Nordhausen. We only visit here as needed. I thought you might like to compare this tree with the one in the Elders apartment and also the one in ours..

Personally speaking, I think the Elders and our tree are the winners.... Guess which one is the one for worldly celebrations, and the ones that are celebrations of the true meaning of Christmas.

Even Sister Clause got into the spirit, and made Elder Clause a Christmas breakfast. We are happy missionaries, and work for the "Eternal Nourishing Blessings" that are brought into the lives of others.

Our dear Elders had us over for Christmas Eve morning breakfast. They love food, so we treated them and two other Elders of our district to a nice Christmas DCM lunch meeting. This was their treat for us. They love the Christmas spirit, with their attire of hats. Elder Downing top; Elder Mason right; Sister "M" ummmmm Elder "M" is taking the photo.

Elder Mason, who is in Nordhausen with us drew
this picture on a white board at the kirche.
Everyone loved it, and he became an instant hit
with the kinder of the branch.

President and Sister Pimentel are both working so hard to keep the missionaries happy, and working for the Lord. Their theme in the mission is: "Find, Teach, Baptize, and Keep."

We attended a Mission conference in Leipzig (3) zones were there. They organized a wonderful Christmas celebration for us. We, as missionaries are so thank-ful for them. They truly give this mission their ALL.

We both received white elephant gifts...I didn't get to keep the tie, it was a big hit and went the rounds several times...I guess missionaries need ties!

The bell choir was a big hit, and these wonderful missionaries were a delight. I think their families can be so pleased with not only the joy they bring into the mission field, but so much energy and hard work.

Letters, and Christmas presents from home. The missionaries could hardly wait to pick up their gifts and gathered anxously looking for their treasure.

Hey Mom, look what I helped to make! Elder Downing was very much involved with this Heim Abend. Little Grace is ready to eat it. This activity will need to become a tradition. We all enjoyed it immensely! YUM

It actually stands up! Children are a real gift to us, and help us realize what is really important in life. Families can be together forever, each one of us needs to create our "Heavenly Ginger Bread Home"

More goodies went into her mouth than went onto the ginger bread house. This is Mila Schopp.

We held a family Heim Abend (home evening) with the Ernesti and Schopp families. I thought Ginger bread houses would be fun to make. Fortunately they came in a kit. Little Ben was very creative with his wall.

Sister Klee gave us a real present, by coming to the party. She has been less-active for 2+ years. We have been seeing her every week for some time, and rejoiced when she walked into the kirche all smiles. Tears of joy welled up in my eyes, and my heart just leaped out and shouted Merry Christmas!

Elder Downing, from Utah, must have been a good boy because he got a present from St. Nick too! Great missionary. He is always so positive, and has helped this area so much. His family can be very pleased with his dedicated service.

The beard is real! What a great St. Nick Edgar Linner made.

The kinder loved St. Nick. This is Brother Linner. He has not been active for several years, and we have been teaching him and his son Sabastian. He and Sabastian came to our party, and he consented to be St. Nick. Here he is giving a surprize gift to Mila Schopp. This is another family the Elders are working with to become members. Her father Daniel, is on the right.

A few of our wonderful mitglieder of the branch. They love sitting down and sharing kochun (goodies), and tea together.

Our Christmas Branch party was fun, and we all were filled with goodies, and a love for this beautiful season.

Sister Kuper left, Sister "M", Sister Keuthmann right. These two schwester's (sisters) are a delight. They want me to stay when our time is finished here! They think I will eventually learn the language if they keep me here long enough! There is a funny story I will need to relate. Sister Kuper needed to go to the doctor. Before she went I was standing near her, and she babbled (tower of babble), something to me. I nodded to her so that she would know that I was listening, not by any means knowing what she said. Later, Richard told me that Sister Kuper was glad that I told her she could keep her underware on when she went to see the doctor. We got a good laugh from that one. I had no idea that was what she was asking me! Fun ladies.

These are the Elders of our District. Elder Tjeden on the left, Elder Downing, Elder Brechbuhl, Elder Arnold. The two on the left are from Utah, the other two from Switzerland, and Germany. Those two kids on the right are also from Utah. We love our dear Elders, they work deligently for the Lord in all that they do. We are having some wonderful success here in Nordhausen, due to hard working missionaries, and the spiritual blessings of testimony coming from our Heavenly Father.

This darling little boy (Ben) has taken a liking to me. He is one of the members sons. I get hugs from him every Sunday, and then on Monday night we have Heim Abend (Home Evening) with Sister Ernesti, his mother, and also Jessie her 11 year old daughter. I'm glad there are kinder (children) in our branch, it helps me because I miss our grandchildren.

We enjoyed a Platschen Bachen, where the die mitglieder (members) wrapped their baked items into bundles and then we as missionaries delivered them to less-active members or to some older members of the branch. The little mice you see were made by an 11 year old girl. This activity is done every year here in this branch.

Elder Tjeden actually ate this sandwich. They love chips inside the sandwich, and of course as many layers as they can get into their mouths. They are our mighty warriors, and because they work so hard they are always hungry!

Richard looks a little small compared to this pre-historic mammal. I wanted to hop up on the tusk, but there was no way! Besides a missionary would look a little out of place there, unless I had a Book of Mormon in hand exclaiming the gospel to the saints of the past, and that we now actually had their writings in a book!

Richard and I found the food market here quite inticing. You just can't believe the size of the cabbage, and broccoli! They come here everyday and set up their vegetables, meats, cheeses, and whatever else they want to sell.

Evelyn Schopp, our investigator, asked if the branch sisters could put some Christmas packages together for young children, between the ages 2-14. Her church was involved in this, and she asked us to help. As missionaries we thought this to be a great idea, to combine efforts and help children out. The packages will go into European cities for those in need. I told her that I would gladly help in this effort.

The sisters came through, but were a little doubtful as to where the packages would really end up. So we told them that I would gladly go with her, and deliver them to the right place. I guess the doubtful hearts come from years of not knowing the truth, and being told one thing, and then not having it come about. We were very happy to be involved, and I will make sure it happens again next year.

Erntedankfest is a celebration of "Kuchen and Tea" for the Harvest. They don't have a Thanksgiving that is celebrated here. This was in our little branch building. Poems and musical talent were also part of the fest.

English:

"Honor

God and

defend those

nearest to you"

There are certainly differents kinds of artistic value here--personally I like the parrots, not too hard to like.

These were taken out of our apartment window. I am grateful for the beauty surrounding us.

This was a quick Fall. The temps. are now cold.

What does dieser missionar eat???
Just ask this one!

Elder Arnold; Sister Muhlestein; Phan; Elder Hale; Elder Muhlestein

We are so grateful for the gospel of Jesu Christi, and the opportunity to see the spirit work in the life of one who is prepared to receive.

Here is the greatest fruit of the mission. Our first baptism. Elder Hale; Phan; Sister Muhlestein. She is a student here from Vietnam, and what a thrill it has been to be a small part of her coming to Christ through baptism into The Kirche Jesu Christi Der Heiligen Der Letzten Tage.

Pretty good size fish as well, Colin I have no idea what these are, I would guess gold fish of some sort...None catchable.

There really are birds here, but I haven't had much time to get some good photos. Coot and Moorhen.

I love all of the red tile roofs. Another view from our windows of Nordhausen. I think any city in the states would want all the same color roofs. Looks pretty cool on this partly sunny day. (Haven't seen any of those lately)

Evening photo from our balcony. This is a favorite view of mine, for contemplation...

I had to hurry to catch up with this lady. She can really move. I thought the dog had the right idea.

These images are a church that was built in 961 a.d. and remodeled in 1270-1300 a.d. and again in 1370-1400 a.d. When we entered there was not anyone in the building but there were some candles lit. The door going down is the krypt, and one we did NOT go in. The chapel as you can see is massive. It reminds me of the building in Salt Lake City, but this one is bigger. My oh my, what a history has taken place in this building, in "old town" Nordhausen. Remember this is in the Eastern Sector of Berlin.