Go with faith

2011-04-19T16:03:00.000-07:00

"AUF WIEDERSEHEN"

We say a fond farewell to Germany and to the wonderful saints we left there. We have served, and loved, and been blessed throughout our mission by serving the Lord and bringing many unto Him. We now will carry in our hearts forever their love for us, and our love for them. Our joy is full as we have: "GONE FORTH WITH FAITH."

2011-04-19T15:53:00.000-07:00

We shared a wonderful dinner with Elder and Sister Jensen who work in the mission office. Then a quick phone call to Elder Puriri brought him to us for a schuss reunion. We then went to the mission home where President and Sister Ninow spent some time with us, and wished us well. This final day in Germany was so delightful and was a wonderful way to complete our mission.

2011-04-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

I was surprised to see Franklins Gulls in Frankfurt Germany. They were migrating through.

We loved the Main River. It is so calm and is the making of Frankfurt into one of Germany's major cities.

2011-04-19T15:12:00.000-07:00

Looking down the Main River in Frankfurt Germany.

2011-04-19T15:04:00.000-07:00

These photos are in the town square of Frankfurt Germany. Architecture so unique to Europe.

2011-04-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

We spent our last day in Frankfurt Germany. We had a serene and calm afternoon in the temple. We started our mission where East meets West in Maur Platz. Now we are ending our mission here, where Heaven meets Earth in the temple of the Lord.

2011-04-19T14:39:00.000-07:00

We also said a fond farewell to our apartment and some scenes from our windows. We have enjoyed making many meals here, and watched many events from our windows as well. But now the window of time is taking us elsewhere...

2011-04-19T14:26:00.000-07:00

We ate a hello and farewell meal with Elder and Sister Hicks who came to Nordhausen to continue the work of strengthening the branch. We are grateful they have come. We know the branch is in good hands, and that the Lord will watch over the wonderful saints there.

2011-04-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

These hand knitted sweaters were made by Schwester Keuthmann for our newest grandbaby. This work came from her hands and her heart.

2011-04-19T14:05:00.000-07:00

Our stay would not be complete without one last taste of Schwester Keuthmann's quark! We will never be the same. Her love, kindness, and friendship will always be held in our hearts.

2011-04-19T13:58:00.000-07:00

Schwester Klee will remain a special friend with us. She became active as we taught her the truths of the gospel. She always fed us the most wonderful food, prepared with a decorative touch. Thank-you Schwester Klee you have touched our hearts in so many ways.

2011-04-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

We exchanged gifts with Schwester Klee...

Our picture and our favorite CD music was our gift to her along with an R.S. necklace. She made us a candle: "Danke Schwester Klee Nordhausen 2011" and also gave us a hand made crocheted tablecloth.

2011-04-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed having dinner with Rolf, and Edgar Linner. Rolf has been Edgar's friend for many years. Rolf just moved into our branch, and is a member as well. We are hopeful he will help Edgar remain active. These are interesting men with fun stories, and lives that kept us guessing what next? We will miss them.

2011-04-18T20:43:00.000-07:00

We met with a few of the saints in Nordhausen to say good-bye and have a special moment to remember. These wonderful saints gave from their hearts to our hearts.

2011-04-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

ERFURT DAY:

We had a wonderful time having lunch and touring Erfurt with President Schumann; President Kalmring; Elder and Sister Williams; & Elder and Sister Hicks. Good Food and Good Friends. This all will be remembered as a "highlight" for us in the Land of Germany.

2011-04-18T19:59:00.000-07:00

At a very early date important trading routes intersected at a ford over the Gera. Since the 12th century it has been spanned by a bridge on which 32 half-timbered houses still stand in splendor today. This is part of the Kramer bridge dating from 1325 and is the only bridge north of the Alps having houses and people living in them.

This neo-Gothic Town Hall is dated from 1875.

2011-04-18T19:47:00.000-07:00

Some of these buildings date back from the 15th to 19th century. When the pubs put the wheat out it means fresh beer is being served???

All I wanted was a fresh lemonade, but they don't hang the lemons out.

2011-04-11T15:24:00.000-07:00

Bernt Kalmring was a dear friend to us in so many ways. As we ended our tour he showed us some of the money they used probably dated in the 1600's. This is also The Dom or the catholic church in Erfurt.

2011-04-11T15:06:00.000-07:00

Nordhausen Markt Plaza. This is the hub of the city of Nordhausen, where vendors of fruits and vegetable come everyday, even in the winter months, to sell their produce. The city building is also a place of many marriages. They have the Christmas market on this plaza, and many other events throughout the year.

Continue to scroll there's more...

2011-04-11T14:57:00.001-07:00

This is the last district that we were in. We loved these young men, and always felt a special kinship with them. They work hard preaching the gospel to all who will listen and learn. We know that Alma and the sons of Mosiah would love to have served with them. They are true warriors for the final days of this dispensation.

2011-03-25T20:42:00.000-07:00

We MUST have one more Heim Abend with the Ernesti and Schopp Familie. Of course the Elders love joining us, and we all love them coming, as we eat, play games, laugh, and have a spiritual thought in there too. We will miss these events, as we look back upon these smiling faces. This was held in February.

2011-03-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

Every year in November the branch holds a Fasching Feiern Party. We all dress up and play games to everyone's delight--especially the Elder's.

2011-03-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

We love Schwester Wickert. She is not able to come to church due to her having a 100% behindered daughter. We visit her every week, and will miss her sweet loving smile, and hugs. May the Lord bless her. She is a genuine, loving, and charitable person.

2011-03-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

We set up another date to visit the Freiberg Temple before we needed to leave Germany. So on Feb. 22nd we took two of our sisters to the temple. Sister Klee finished her last family name, and sister Richter came to do some temple names. We have loved taking the sisters to the temple. This was our 5th temple trip. We have finished 44 family names now of the sisters families in our branch. They can now say we are "forever" families.

2011-03-25T20:03:00.000-07:00

We stayed in our favorite Pension in Freiberg where there is always good food, and very nice rooms, at a decent price as well. We always try to stay here when we come to the temple. Schwester Klee and Schwester Richter enjoyed this moment of food with us.

2011-03-15T17:19:00.000-07:00

The sisters tie their hearts to our wonderful Elders. It's always hard to say good-bye to them. Elder Gassmann is leaving to work in Heidelberg...

2011-03-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

We are missing someone, but Elder "M" needed to take the photo. This was right after our Tues. Heim Abend with some of the Geschwestern of the branch.

2011-03-15T17:10:00.000-07:00

We know the gospel of Jesus Christ is the pathway to return to him. Now Bruder Stoye has chosen the way, and their is happiness all the way around. His wife passed away about 3 months ago, and now he can go forth and hopefully have someone complete her work when that time comes. This was a day of much work and prayer, and our Elders have worked a good work.

2011-03-15T17:06:00.000-07:00

Of course we need to sneak in one more baptism. The Elders have been working with Herr Stoye, now Bruder Stoye for quite a while. In fact many Elders have worked with him. But this time was the key, and all of the seeds planted came to fruition.

2011-03-15T16:53:00.000-07:00

Our district Elders have always been the best. These 3 have finished their missions and are heading home! They are great men and have accomplished their mission work. Elders Stradling; Davis; Hohman. We will miss them, but soon it will be our turn.

2011-03-15T16:45:00.000-07:00

Before transfer calls we always treat the Elders to dinner. Of course you mention food, and they go. Elders Johnson, and Gassmann have served well, so who's leaving???? The call came in on Monday morning and Elder Gassmann is going to Heidelberg...oh too bad, hard place to go!

2011-01-30T12:28:00.000-08:00

Just a little "kuchen" before game-night with Schwester Keuthmann. These cookies were suppose to be like Americans make...hummm I think I like the German bachen better.

2011-01-30T12:21:00.000-08:00

Schwester Keuthman introduced us to the game "Minch".

Now she has us hooked, and we will be bringing this game home. We can only wish we could bring her with us because everyone needs to play "Minch" with her!

2011-01-30T12:11:00.000-08:00

How to make an old building "new"... Just take the oldest most run down building you can find and fix it up on the outside, and wha--la you have a "new" building.

2011-01-30T12:02:00.000-08:00

What is My Purpose as a Missionary??

We think it's to wear out your shoes!!

AND TO:

Invite others to come unto Christ...

This Elder will be leaving to come home in 1 week, and he has accomplished his purpose.

2011-01-30T11:54:00.000-08:00

We couldn't leave Germany and not take a ride on the Strassenbahn...It was actually quite nice and very efficient. Just hop on and go, no need to find a parking place either.

2011-01-30T11:43:00.000-08:00

On one of our overnight stays in Nurnberg for a Zone Conference, we had a zimmer or (room) that was designed after Audrey Hepburn...

"Is this Germany???" "Ja"

2011-01-30T11:31:00.000-08:00

Winter scene traveling to Nurnberg...

AND

in Erfurt just after one of the biggest storms of the year. Good time to take the strassenbahn.

2011-01-30T11:22:00.000-08:00

Before we leave winter behind us here are some winter scenes: The children playing on hills, and being pulled along by parents is always a winter wonderland...

Here in Germany the kinder are pulled on sleighs all over town since they walk everywhere anyway, why not make it as easy as... "hop on".

2011-01-16T13:19:00.000-08:00

We spent a P-day to visit the historical Dom in Erfurt. This church was built in the 1500's and is one that Martin Luther visited. The following pictures are a remembrance of our visit.

2011-01-16T13:14:00.000-08:00

The Elders are "always" ready for knocking doors... bless their little hearts... they just don't have any other M.O. We love our Elders!

2011-01-16T13:02:00.000-08:00

A woman takes the time to remember loved ones, and light a candle for them. The stained glass window extends to the top of the church.

2011-01-16T12:52:00.000-08:00

During Christmas they had these beautiful manger scenes arranged and displayed.

2011-01-16T12:42:00.000-08:00

Confessional areas are available at certain times, I believe they are used more on their Ash Wednesdays. The Dom is always open to the public.

2011-01-16T12:34:00.000-08:00

The alter and ceremonial area's are very ornate, and maintained in pres-teen order.

2011-01-16T12:23:00.000-08:00

People come from all over to see these two pieces of artwork. The stained glass window, and the intricate artwork on this canvas date back to the 1500's. AMAZING WORK.

2011-01-16T12:11:00.000-08:00

The Erfurt District Elders are THE BEST! Of course anytime food is offered or brought they do not hesitate. We love our weekly district meetings, they are certainly a highlight for us to see these wonderful "warriors" in action. They love the work of the Lord, and have brought many to the truth of the gospel or the "good news". Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. We are the children of God, and there is a Plan of Salvation for all who believe on Christ, and keep His commandments.

2011-01-16T12:03:00.000-08:00

The snow and cold was not pleasant. We were bundled up in the car--nice and warm--when I saw this fine lady in her house dress taking out the garbage. It was -9c when I took this picture. The brave whether the storms of life, and pay little attention to misery.

2011-01-16T11:55:00.000-08:00

Rain--Snow--Sleet--Nothing stops the Deutsch from going on their "daily" market trips. This gentleman is kindly helping his wheelchair bound frau. They do not let the weather stop them, and thus we see the determination of the Deutsch people. They made it through the war, why not a little snow?

2011-01-01T11:37:00.000-08:00

Christmas Breakfast (Fruhstuck) with our Elders Gassman, and Johnson at our apartment. We added ambiance to our meal with Christmas lights and simple decoration.

2011-01-01T10:14:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed the Christmas Spirit with our dear Schwester Lueck. She is a resident of this nursing home. She is seated on the left. Alzheimers has not taken away her smile nor her memory of us.

2011-01-01T10:04:00.000-08:00

We gathered our sweet Schwester's together for a heart touching experience in a nursing home. We prepared a program with the beautiful music of the Christmas season, and sang to the hearts of these wonderful people.

2011-01-01T09:54:00.000-08:00

The Making of a Home: We had the two families in our branch meet for Heim Abend (Family Night). We ate dinner and then we all joined in to create a "House into a Home." We did this last year as well... and hopefully the next Ehepar Couple will carry on this wonderful tradition.

2011-01-01T09:50:00.000-08:00

Everyone including the Elders joined in on the fun!

2011-01-01T09:45:00.000-08:00

Final project is done!! Smiles too

2011-01-01T09:33:00.000-08:00

We all enjoyed the Weihnachtsfrier at our branch which was a wonderful success. We even had a special visit by the Weihnachtsman...hummm wonder who that was???? Food-Program-and-Good People made for a wonderful celebration ringing in the Christmas Season.

2011-01-01T09:25:00.000-08:00

The Muhlestein's somehow got on the program

and...

we sang:

"Away In a Manger"

Elder Johnson played "O Holy Night"

2011-01-01T09:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Kinder as well...

2011-01-01T09:14:00.000-08:00

YUMMY "ONLY IN GERMANY FOOD"

2011-01-01T09:09:00.000-08:00

Frankfurt Zone Conference with Sisters and Elders we are serving with...THE BEST!

2011-01-01T08:55:00.000-08:00

These photos are of the Christmas Market in Nurnberg Germany. This is one of the largest markets to take place in Germany. We were fortunate enough to travel there during December because our Zone Conference was held in Nurnberg. We went a day earlier so that we could enjoy this market and the feeling of Christmas events in Germany. We were with the Williams who are also serving in our mission.

2011-01-01T08:50:00.000-08:00

Christmas Market: Nurnberg Germany

2011-01-01T08:45:00.000-08:00

2011-01-01T08:39:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS JOY...

These next few pictures are from members homes and some of the decorations they use.

The advent candles are an interesting tradition. One candle is lite at the beginning of each week in December, until all 4 candles are lite the last week. It celebrates the coming of Christ with LIGHT!

2011-01-01T08:35:00.000-08:00

2011-01-01T08:29:00.000-08:00

I was admiring Schwester Klee's hand-made table cloth, so I took a picture to remember. Then a few weeks ago, she surprised me and gave me this cloth! I was brought to tears, and will ALWAYS feel of her sweet giving spirit when I look upon her work. My heart is full.

2010-12-28T02:08:00.000-08:00

Platchen Backen Time: The schwestern got together and made these fun sacks, then we filled them with "kuchen" (cookies). We gave them to some less-actives and elderly, and to our dear Schwester Luke who is in a senior care home.

The Brothers came for the FOOD, not necessarily to help. I guess this is the same in every country!! BUT THEY ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.

2010-12-28T01:55:00.000-08:00

We welcomed another visit to the Freiberg Temple. We took these two schwestern to complete their family sealings. Schwester Bendel was sealed to her husband, who died 15 years ago, and Schwester Keuthmann was sealed to her parents. (she is on the left) There was much work done prior to this forever moment. This was a wonderful accomplishment for them and us!

2010-12-28T01:49:00.000-08:00

Fall was upon us, and we enjoyed the European beauty. I loved walking on these fall mornings--the crisp air and foliage was magnificent!

2010-12-02T05:40:00.000-08:00

Get ready to Eat!! When Schwester Klee invites us to dinner we always accept!!!! Her Kuchen is sooooo good. Our Elders especially enjoy this. There just isn't a better meal prepared anywhere than that of Schwester Klee's. We love her meals, but she is also one of our dearest friends.

2010-12-02T05:34:00.000-08:00

Schwester Klee's Kuchen is so good, and you can count on the fact that you have to take two servings! Although by the time you have eaten her wonderful meal, you wonder where your going to put the dessert! Well worth every mouth full :) :)

2010-12-02T05:09:00.000-08:00

We celebrate the Schwester Geburtstage with them by taking the Abends Essen and decorations into their apartments. They love us coming and especially love my "Americana Salat". They usually eat wurst (hotdogs) Brotchen (similar to French bread--but way better,) and whatever else I decide to take. It's a fun way to celebrate with them.

Schwester Keuthmann far left; Elders Forsyth and Gassman; Kirsten and Schwester Kuper.

2010-12-02T05:03:00.000-08:00

Zum Geburtstage Schwester Keuthmann :) Her birthday and Schwester Kuper's were one week apart. We love celebrating with them, and you cannot wish them a happy birthday before the actually date! It's bad luck.

2010-12-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

Zum Geburtstage Schwester Kuper :) Elder Gassmann, and Elder Forsyth were also in on the celebration. Schwester Keuthmann is to the far right.

2010-12-02T04:54:00.000-08:00

Sister Kuper was actually quite happy that we were there celebrating with her, but she was caught with a scowl. I never showed her this picture.

2010-12-02T04:45:00.000-08:00

We see a lot of bikes here in Germany. Literally everyone rides a bike. This one however stole my heart. There are many of these and as you can see it does not have any peddles. The very very young start learning with these bikes. Ages 2 on up learn without the peddles. they are close enough to the ground that they use their own legs and feet to move the bike. They don't have training wheels, they simple learn how to balance on their own accord. It's pretty cute seeing them ride these.

2010-11-07T12:55:00.000-08:00

Lets go to the temple! We gathered the sisters, and left for our Fall Temple Trip. There were 8 total including the two kinder. We rented the van so that all could go. This is always one of the highlights for our little gemeinde (branch).

2010-11-07T12:51:00.000-08:00

This group of sisters were so happy to feel a "little piece" of heaven as they arrived at the temple. Sister Kuper, on the far right, brought the first of her family names: Her Mother, Father, and Grand-parents names. This took a little encouragement, but that's a story for our newsletter.

2010-11-07T12:34:00.000-08:00

The Freiberg Temple spire with the Angel Moroni stood out so beautiful against the blue sky, that it brings to mind the joy of salvation waiting for all who will listen and "hear" the sound of his trumpet---Come--Come--to the House of the Lord.

2010-11-07T12:25:00.000-08:00

Sister Klee finished the last two names in her family line on this temple trip. She never does like to smile for photos, but she was very happy to accomplish this work for her family. She now feels, and IS sealed to some of her kindred. She bears a thankful testimony to have this work completed.

2010-11-07T12:20:00.000-08:00

We said good-night to this beautiful temple, and will see it again soon.

2010-11-07T12:15:00.000-08:00

We said "good-bye" to another favorite Elder early one morning, before normal wake-up time! He was transferred to Heidelberg. We will miss you Elder Puriri, you have served the Lord well in this part of His vineyard. We will see you again when you come home...we will be there by then too.

2010-11-07T12:07:00.000-08:00

Herr Stoye is an investigator and came to Erfurt to listen to General Conference. Sister Klee and Kuper are both wonderful members. Sister Klee was the sister we helped to return to activity. She is now one of our strongest members. The good-looking fellow on the end is...??? Yes! I know who he is!

Continue on...more posts

2010-11-07T11:59:00.000-08:00

General Conference Week-end was wonderful. We travel to Erfurt about 1 1/2 hours away to listen to our prophet. This is the group of missionaries who are in the "English" broadcast room. Most of them like to listen in their native tongue. We love these wonderful Sisters and Elders, and we drink in all of the wonderful messages from our leaders. Our vessels yearn for this time.

2010-11-07T11:50:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful visit with our friends Donna and Kent Jones. They were over here with a tour group. We traveled to Weimar and spent an all too short visit with them, but it was wonderful seeing their faces, AND SPEAKING ENGLISH. We all stayed at the Hotel Elephant which is located right on the market square of Old Town Weimar.

2010-09-24T12:11:00.000-07:00

When the Sun did shine and we had warm days I took advantage of it's warmth and so did others....

2010-09-24T12:04:00.001-07:00

We've had such cold weather through August, that I couldn't help taking this picture of an Elderly Lady soaking in the Sun when it did come out. She stayed there for about 15 minutes, and then walked off.

2010-09-24T11:56:00.000-07:00

Naturally Nature...

The Earth has also been commanded to fulfill the measure of her creation...and she does.

2010-09-24T11:47:00.000-07:00

Sunset taken off our deck in Nordhausen.

This Park Garden is in Nurnberg. We go there for Zone Conferences.

2010-09-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

Woodpigeon is quite large. They are seen often, and as they fly there is a beautiful pattern of white against their grey feathers.

The bush reminds me of our Lilacs, but does not have the fragrant smell.

2010-09-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

The Chicken or the Egg first?? This Rooster could tell us...

This slug is huge, about 4-5 inches long. It's eating this paper..humm

All of Nature is here for something. It certainly brightens my soul and brings a balance into busy lives.. Take time to enjoy some yourself.

2010-09-24T11:12:00.000-07:00

We grew some Marigolds on our deck in grow boxes and they brought in some delightful visitors.

Go to the next page...more is yet to come...

2010-09-24T10:56:00.000-07:00

This Mute Swan is one of hundreds we see on this pond each week, as we traveled to Erfurt for DCM. It was pretty far out so a little fuzzy. They have all flown South now.

2010-09-24T10:49:00.000-07:00

These hay-bale images "crop-up" this time of year, as the farmers cut their fields. They are a delight to come across. What great imaginations!

2010-09-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

These two hay-bale images were on our way to Erfurt. Even farmers can have fun!

2010-09-01T04:38:00.000-07:00

We all enjoyed this little celebration for Elder M. The branch area is used for all of the gatherings of the Saints. Happy B-Day. You should probably start counting backwards now...

2010-09-01T04:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Elder Muhlestein-- He really is 71! We had a sister in the Gemeinde take this photo, and she had never used a camera before, so we were coaching her through what she needed to do. The first shot was of the floor!! We were still laughing about that.

2010-09-01T04:30:00.000-07:00

Here is some real honky-tonk piano going on. Elder M decided to put his hand into the action...

2010-09-01T04:24:00.000-07:00

Richard's favorite cake is Carrot Cake. and the cookie recipe is secret. I retrieved it however from one of our Elders. I traded one of mine for this recipe of his family. YUM

2010-09-01T04:18:00.000-07:00

These are made from hay bales. They are huge rolls. Someone on this farm is very creative!