Food. The Key to the Heart.

I can now testify that food is the way to the heart. Really. I have had food on the brain this week. Our mini missionary sent us an entire package full of goodies complete with a jar of peanut butter. (which is already gone. whoops) Oh these people know me all too well. We also had a day where every appointment we went to they fed us sweets. Cookies. Cake. This ice-cream cream puff thingy. Pounds of German chocolate. Everything. I thought I was going to explode...  So I found the secret of how to crack German's. Food. ...but if that's how they show their love I will take it.  

So we returned the favor and baked up a storm... And only burnt one cake. We are moving up in the world. Try to make an American cake in Germany... I dare you. What's baking soda in German? That looks like about a tsp. right? That seems to slightly resemble brown sugar... Oh crap I think we burnt the top... Uhhh.. Just scrape that off and cover it with frosting. That looks a little chunky now... put some candles on it and she won't notice. It still looks ugly... write an accidental upside down card and tie a bow around it... Good as new.

It's a great method. But you know what? She loved it. Burnt and all.

Food is a winner with the Germans. It's a proven fact. The main thing that I have been focusing on this week is relationships with people. True relationships where I care about people. Where they can feel my love and God's love. Where they can feel like they always have a friend. Where they know the can turn to me in times of need. Not just a Hi, How are you? on Sunday type of relationship. But a REAL relationship. So I am beginning with the members of our itty bitty branch. Because it is so tiny I figure I can be friends with every. single. person. Starting with saying hello to everyone every Sunday and addressing them by name. So I got pictures of almost everybody and put it up on my wall along with their name and something I have learned about them. It's amazing how much faster you get to know people when you actually try. 

But you have to talk to them to be someone's friend. Which becomes a little tricky when you know about 3 sentences.... but I started with the kids. They are the easiest to win over and require the least amount of words. After church we were waiting for all the meetings to finish up before ward dinner and I started playing my own version of German peek-a-boo. Basically Amelia (my new 4 year old bff) would hide behind a door and then pop out and I would just act super surprised and say 'Was?' (which is what for German) and act super surprised and she would giggle for 5 minutes straight ...Again. And Again. And Again. From that moment on she was glued to me and never left my side. She Turned to me in the cutest little voice says Sister Heywood, you are my favorite sister. Yep my heart became a puddle right at that moment. At least I know I have one friend here.. I will take it. 

These people truly are incredible. Absolutely wonderful. They have the most amazing stories and the most incredible testimonies. I learn so much from them. I feel like I have nothing to offer compared to how much they are giving me which just makes me want to work harder. Not gonna lie, I really thought Germans were going to be these super cruel, cold hearted people that never wanted to talk to you. Wrong. They are so giving.  So willing to help. So kind. Such good listeners. They care. They Listen. (They just might need some help with the initial talking to strangers part and maybe smile a little more and where some brighter clothes... But really.) They are always so willing to help this crazy American and do all they can to make me feel at home. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to experience this. To be surrounded by so many different people and to learn from them. To have relationships with them. I hope that through me they can feel loved. 

For love truly is the essence of the gospel. 

German Word of the Week: Essen (I just realized I spelled my German Word of the Week wrong last week.... That's embarrassing.)

ps: The house of Münster now has running hot water. It's glorious. I may have even done a little motab impromptu celebratory dance...maybe...

pss: I finally learned how to read a German nutrient label.. and found out that all the chocolate bars I have been eating have 576 calories. Minor heart attack. Yes, I am majoring in nutrition. I may need to rethink my life plan after the mission... 

psss: WE WERE IN THE NEWSPAPER. So cool.

If you wanna be cool follow one simple rule.. Don't stick to the status quo. And teach the Gospel in the middle of the school cafeteria. Thanks Chi-Ann. We love you. 

My camera is a little possessed and take artsy pictures all on its own of the remnants of true love.

The Münster Elders. Aka: The best elders in the world. 

Vivian and Amelia. Penguins. My Best Friends. All of the Above.

Okay now let me tell you about this one real quick. It rains here. Like a lot. And there was a flash flood in Münster. So we contacted the city to see if we could help and they sent us to go clean up trash with these big burly men and this giant crusher truck that would spit wood and glass and all this stuff back out at you... It was quite a sight. These three little wimpy girls working alongside these huge men in bright orange jumpsuits. But service is service. And this lady from the news came up and interviewed us and took down the address of our church and such... But we didn't think much of it until one lady in our church calls us and tells us we were in the NEWSPAPER. crazy talk. I am still in shock.

my wall of fame. and love. and all that jazz.

the cake. not so bad after all. eh?




hi. we are now Chinese.

 who's prettier? us? or the german castle we saw for p-day?