Lieber Familie und Freunde,
Today we are in Nürnberg for the Christkindlesmarkt and it is absolutely FREEZING. It didn't actually snow, but this morning there were ice crystals floating in the air that kind of looked like snow. Maybe we can get some more people to let us in their homes at least for a few minutes to warm up. And share a message about the Gospel. ;)
This week we didn't have a lot happen work-wise, but it was still a really good week. We had a lesson with our miracle man from last week with a member of our ward dabei and that was pretty cool. He mostly just wanted to discuss about different religions and the similarities and differences and what we can do to respect each other more. It was a good conversation, and we were able to work parts of the Restoration into what we talked about, so it worked out pretty well. We just need to meet with him again to finish it the whole story. :)
Our church meetings this week were fantastic. This ward keeps surprising me with the amount of love and care that they keep showing us. After Sacrament meeting, a woman from the ward came up to us and said, "Tuesday is Saint Nikolaus day and I wanted to make sure that you have something." And then she gave us chocolate bears. It was way sweet. Both literally and figuratively. I love how the ward keeps looking out for us. It is a great feeling, and a great thing in general. I hope you all are making sure that your missionaries in your wards feel loved! Because missionaries are people too, and sometimes we need a bit of extra love.
This Saturday we have transfer calls. It feels like those were just a week ago, really. Five week transfers are weird. But it will be fun. We're getting at least one new district member because Elder Barnhill is going home. That will be sad, because he's a great Elder. He was district leader in Michelstadt when I was in Frankfurt and it was so much fun to be in the same district this transfer. But yeah. Everyone goes home eventually.
Sorry for the sparseness of this letter. My fingers are cold and typing is slow going.
The Sister Training Leaders came to our district meeting last week, and our Ehepaar, Sister and Elder Green, made us a funfetti cake. You know, the white cake with the sprinkles in it that looks really yummy but it is actually just pure sugar and really gross? Yeah, we had that and it was good, but WAY too sweet. Sister Young told me that I've become a German because I don't like anything too sweet or American. I personally don't see anything wrong with that. But as Sister Quain and I went through the rest of the week, we kept finding more and more ways I've become German. I even look German! But then I open my mouth and everyone hears how American I actually am. To be fair, the German accent is hard. At least no one thinks I'm from England anymore. That was just embarrassing. :P
As far as spiritual stuff for the week, it was a great week for studies. I've actually been studying the Isaiah chapters found in 2 Nephi and it's been really great. I've learned a lot about how the Lord helps us with our fears and our challenges. He never leaves us alone, and He always gives us exactly what we need. There's a Mormon Message called, 'The Refiner's Fire' and I would recommend that you all watch it. In it, a woman talks about her experience with cancer in her family and how she was given help and strengthened through the challenges of supporting her family go through their various forms of treatment. It's a great testament to me that the Lord gives us what we need, when we need it. We don't always want or understand it when we receive the challenges and trials He gives us, but it always helps us become more loving and Christ-like.
In this Christmas season, I'd like to invite you all to do an act of absolute Christ-like service. It doesn't have to be big or especially special. It can be something small, like helping someone with their groceries. But help someone this week purely because you want to help them. Not because it's an organized service project, or your parents told you to, or because you might get something in return. Just do it because they need help, and you are able to help. I promise that you will feel God's love for them, and for you as you do so with an open heart. And if you need ideas on what to do, there's 25 of them on Mormon.org right now for the Christmas Initiative. If you're feeling extra motivated, you could do one every single day and bring the light of Christ into the lives of even more people, and strengthen your own light in the process. You know, if you're feeling up to the challenge. ;)
I love you all! I hope you're having a great day, and a fantastic week! If not, I wish you both of those things!
Liebe Grüße,
Sister John
These are the only two photos I got from today.... But it was so cool to be back in Nürnberg for Christmas. If y'all ever get the chance to go to Germany for Christmas, don't even think, just do it! It will be the best decision you ever make. I promise. :)
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