Well this whole freedom-to-choose thing took a bite at us this week when 10 out of 14 lessons fell out. But it's all good because we are taking our challenges and turning them into blessings. The gratitude challenge is in full swing in this part of town. And those four lessons? Jammed with learning experiences. I am loving these people with all my heart. It tears my heart out when they are too busy to discuss something that I know will bring them so much joy. Especially when I know they know it too and I have heard their testimony about it and they just forget sometimes... Darn agency. but I hope they can feel my love and All I can do is...
Do everything within your power to achieve your goals while respecting the agency of others.
So if everything within my power means visiting them every day and calling them ten times? Then that's what I will do. Annoying? Yes. But loving? Absolutely. And I am thinking I will post that quote on a giant poster above my bed or something so that I don't forget it. But yes. That was basically just for me to write out and feel better about this whole 'do all you can thing' now onto some stories...
I love when you can feel the spirit literally pouring out of every fiber of your being. It is the best feeling in the entire world. Have I told you about Calvin before? I forget. But regardless we are in a lesson with him and we are asking him questions like Where were you before this? Why are you here? Where are you going? and He was shocked. He told us that part of the reason he had come to Germany was to learn the answers to those questions. Like what? No coincidence there. He was in awe and just kept on saying how stunned he was that we were answering these questions. Everything is going great... and then he asks us this really personal question that I literally had no clue how to answer... no clue. And you know how much I love to talk and have an opinion and answer to everything. Not this one. The whole lesson had gone so well and I just kept thinking how I didn't want to ruin it... I am just praying my little heart out in the bathroom for a quick sec and then.. Bam. Answer. And what we said could not in any other situation have gone over so well but it resonated with him and we all leave there feeling uplifted and understanding that this truly is God's work.
I never realized how strong of a testimony you really have to have to be a missionary. It is being challenged on the daily. Maybe even hourly. I have figured out the silver bullet to standing strong. I know. I know. I know. I know. Really though. One of the other lessons we taught this week was with this guy who I know means well and is a child of God and has potential to be an amazing person. But boy does he like to challenge. Why do you need God in your life? How do you know Christ lived? The Bible is for people who don't know how to be strong alone. You are weak if you think religion is necessary. You can do it alone. You don't need anyone telling you what to do. They just kept coming and coming with everything we said he would have something to contradict it. Literally everything. We felt attacked to say the least. And through this whole time.... we are trying to stay calm and see how we can get his heart to open up a teeny tiny bit so we can get some happiness in it... and we just testify. Pure to the core. Testimony. And wait to see what would happen. Silence. I don't know how much of it sunk in,but it definitely sealed his mouth and he realized how much this knowledge is a part of us and no matter what he says he cannot bring us down. I know that Jesus Christ lived and still lives. No, I was not there, but I know it. I know that God hears and answers my prayers. I have had way too many experiences with that to deny it. I know that I cannot do this alone. I know that I am happier when my will is united with Heavenly Fathers.
Oooo.. also we had our first ever Münster Choir yesterday that I am a wee bit too excited about. Everyone in Germany seems to go into depression in the winter.... not sure how... I mean it is Christmas time and you are in Germany and you have the gospel and your family and these beautiful Christmas traditions. Like BE HAPPY. But it is definitely taking a toll when there has only been half of our already tiny branch there at church the last few Sundays... so we decided to take matters into our own hands and what brings me and Sister Johnson joy? Music. We already teach primary, sunday school and YW and conduct the music in sacrament meeting and give a talk every other Sunday in church so why not start a choir as well? And Gah I am just so excited about it. I even learned the words for Alto and Soprano and all that jazz. And I really think it is getting people excited about this winter season and we are just going to go caroling to all the members houses and bring goodies and eep. It will be great.
I love you all and I hope you remember how many wonderful things you have in your life. Develop an eye to see the beauty and your week will go ten times better. Promise.
love ya bunches
xoxoxoxox
s. heywood
My attempt to take Sister Johnson sight seeing.... that lasted about 2 minutes... but hey you saw a cool church.
Now just imagine when this is all beautifully decorated for Christmas... I know. I am going to die too.
Little map of the city... cool huh?
Mom. I have resorted to the dark side... My first Mcdonalds hamburger in how many years? and why? I don't even know.... America is better. Hands down.
fyi you can buy soup from vending machines here.
And really delectable Hot chocolate....Why are all my pictures food? this is concerning...
Now what I really wanna talk about..... The best holiday ever that I am so celbrating with my future Children... But all the little kids make these homeade lanterns and walk down the streets while singing songs and acting out this little play. They even had a real live horse and trumpets and everything. I felt so German hehe.
So cute. In love.
And we walked all the way to this little old persons home and gave them some treats and sang songs with them.... this little lady has a special place in my heart. I have no idea what she was saying to me in her slurred old people German... BUT I am sure it was way nice. She just grabbed my hand and we lead the music together. It was lovely.
Here they all are light shining brightly. Gah I can't take it. Too much cuteness.
