Really Repentant and Completely Converted

Liebe Familie und Freunde,

This week was, without a doubt, the most stressful week of my mission. Everything that could have gone wrong, did. But! It was also one of THE COOLEST weeks ever, because Satan did NOT win the battle. God did. And it was awesome. :)

SAHAR AND HELEN GOT BAPTIZED!!!!!!!!! 

Friends, let me just tell you a thing really fast. 
Last January we had a broadcast to all the missionaries in the world called, "Teach Repentance, and Baptize Converts." I am here to tell you that the two women in this photo were converted long before they were baptized. Helen has such a sincere desire to follow God, and she knew that baptism was a part of it long before we met her. Sahar has been through so much and no one would have blamed her for giving up, but her testimony of the Book of Mormon is strong enough to get her through all of the trials she's faced, and more. 

These two are MIRACLES, and they are CONVERTED. They know and understand repentance and they had gained such a light in their eyes like you've never seen before, before they were baptized. I wish there were words to express how bright they were shining after their baptism. They are incredible, and they are strong. They are beautiful daughters of God who entered the gate that will lead them back to Him. 

I'm just rambling right now, but it has been an emotional week. Literally everything that could have gone wrong this week did, and we had to fix it all. Stress has been high, sleep has been little, and there was definitely an excess of chocolate to try and compensate for it all. But if there is one thing I am grateful for, it is the Spirit. He helps us when we need Him the most and He directs us to help others. It was only with His help that Sahar and Helen could be ready for baptism. It was incredible. He Spirit at the baptism was AMAZING. More things went wrong, tears were shed, and stress was very high. But then they went into the water and when they came out they were shining and it was incredible. 

I love Sahar and Helen. I love Germany. And despite me trying not to, I really love Frankfurt. I love the missionaries here and the people and the culture. It has been, without a doubt, the best six months of my mission and my life.

"But Sister John, why are you building up to this very badly done climax? You're not leaving Frankfurt." 

Actually, I am. And I'm training on top of it. 

The District!

Transfer Calls were on Saturday and President called me in the morning before the baptism and released me as a Sister Training Leader and asked me if I would train again. Every call is inspired and designed to help us help others and learn and grow in the process. Being a Sister Training Leader has been the most fulfilling thing I have ever done in my life up to this point, and I have loved and enjoyed it so much. To say that I will miss the sisters is an understatement, but I know that Sister Jameson and Sister Siems will do an excellent job at teaching and training them. They'll be great, and the mission will move on. 

As for me, I am going to be traveling to Erlangen! It's a mildly mid-sized city in the state of Bayern. Which is conveniently the same state as the city of Nürnberg. 

Oh yes Friends, I am going back to Nürnberg. ;)

Okay, technically, I am twenty minutes away. But that is with a train and there are definitely worse travel times in that zone. Believe me, I know. :P

But, I am super excited. I am so sad to leave Frankfurt and the sisters and my companions and my district. But the Lord has called me to Erlangen and I'm going to go. Also, there is only one sister coming into the mission. Every single trainer and new missionary companionship is divinely appointed, but there is ONE SISTER. There is no way the Lord messed this one up. 

Training is scary. I am excited, and feel more ready than last time, but I am also worried. Prayers are helpful. 

Anyways, sorry this is long and scattered. Call-ins last night were very emotional. But all the sisters gave me some great tips for training. I'm going to miss them. 

I love you! Have a great day, and an amazing week!!!

Liebe Grüße,

Sister John

Sahar is just a little bit shorter than me. :)