"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."

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.

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.

Looking down the Main River in Frankfurt Germany.

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

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.

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...

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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