Don't forget you're special - Sep 28, 2015

Hallo, Ihr lieben!

Wie geht es euch?

So, here are the stories. We're just going start right into it:

Monday was a normal P-day with nothing to exciting or noteworthy.

Tuesday, on the other hand, was also not very exciting. Well, actually it kind of was. We did studies, and then the Comtes came and kidnapped us. I'm almost serious when I say that. We were planning on doing book-work and updating records, before our evening appointment the Comtes called and asked if we would come shopping with them on the Economy to translate while they tried to find Sister Comte a coat. So we got kidnapped for a couple hours and played translator. It was fun, but we didn't find her a coat. Well, we did, but it was either the wrong size or too expensive. She decided she's just going to make due with what she's got, and wait until they get back to the states. They're hoping to be home by Thanksgiving, Christmas at the latest. They will most likely be home by thanksgiving. I'll be sad to see them go.  They're such great friends to us.

Wednesday was kind of similar to Tuesday in that the Comtes kidnapped us again. We had been looking for a specific shop at one point on Tuesday, and later that night, Sister Lyman had found it so we called them and told them, and they came and got us again, and we popped over there. Unfortunately, we still didn't find what Sister Comte was looking for. Then the Stephans came over and mind of fixed our bathroom sink. It had been leaking for a bit, and so Elder Stephans bought a new handle and came over to try & install it for us. But the handle is kind of broken, so he couldn't quite get it. But he was able to get the new cover on for us, which was good, because the old one was stripped, bad.

Thursday, we spent, almost literally all day in Offenbach for Zone Conference. We seriously left the house at 8:00, and didn't get home until almost 21:30. It was so fun, and spiritually uplifting. It was amazing.

Friday was nuts. I had gone to bed with a headache Thursday night, and it was still there when I got up the next morning. And lasted all day. And we had a busy day. We had an appointment at 1:00, another at 3:30, and another at 5:00-5:30-ish. The first was a German lesson. We'd put together a scavenger/treasure hunt for the kids, made a Käsekuchen at the appointment, and had lunch, then did the scavenger hunt, and ate the kuchen. Then had to almost run to catch our bus to our next appointment. Keep in mind, I had a headache throughout all this, and I was also nauseous and had a stomachache. It was bad. Our second appointment was helping Sister Ashle clean and prep for her son’s birthday party on Saturday. Then we went over to the Comtes. They were hosting what the ward is calling a "Fellowship Feast," which is basically just a party. A nonthreatening environment where investigators, Less Actives, geo-bachelors, and Active Members can all just hang out and not feel overwhelmed or anything. No investigators came to ours, just active members, but some of them were new to the area, and it was the first one, so I'm not super disappointed. We have another one scheduled for a week from tomorrow. I'll keep you posted. The Comtes found out I had a headache, and told me to use Peppermint oil. Do you know how well those essential oils actually work? I was surprised. My headache was gone within the hour. It was amazing.

Saturday, we did studies, then went over and helped Sister Ashle finish prepping for the party. Then we stayed for the first little bit of the party. Then we popped over and made dinner for the Comtes, because we'd promised to do that. Sister Lyman made a quick recipe of French bread, Spaghetti, and a salad. Then we reminded them to do Family Scripture Study, and did it with them.

Sunday, we didn't have a dinner appointment, so the Comtes had us over again. They do that a lot. We had Chimmy Changas, and Sister Lyman made the French bread again, and I was over the Oven Roasted Broccoli. Brother Comte and Hunter usually don't like veggies, but they loved the Broccoli. It made me happy :) Danika, your recipes are magic.

Also, I've been studying the war Chapters in Alma. I don't know what how to describe what I've been learning. God is powerful, He loves his children, wants us to learn, and help one another. He really is like our dad. We are individual to Him. He rejoices when we do what we need to be happy, and is disappointed when we don't. He wants to help us, but sometimes refuses to do so in order for us to grow. His every thought and worry is for us to make it back to live with him. He's proud of the work we do, even if we're not perfect at it. As long as we're trying to be better, and doing it to make him proud, he doesn't care. He loves us anyway, and will do anything for us. I mean, he created the world for us, didn't he? There is so much more I could share, but there just aren't words to describe the feelings and impressions I get when thinking about this. It is awe inspiring, and I think it's the coolest thing on the planet -- that we have this opportunity to change and grow, and help one another. I'm happy to have the opportunity to serve a mission and help people recognize the love of their Heavenly Father. Don't forget you're special.

Anyway, I love you all, and hope everything is going well for you.

Bis Nächste Woche!! Ich hab' euch lieb!

-Sister Montgomery

My life is ridiculous! - Sept 21, 2015

Boo! 

Hey, friends!

Monday, we went to check out a Floh Market (a flea market) with Sister Pullan. It was pitiful. Maybe 6, 7 tables, with a few trinkets on each. I was definitely expecting something a little more elaborate. Oh, well. Maybe next time. Sister Pullan bought a couple things, but nothing intrigued Sister Lyman or I, so we didn't get anything. I did get boots for 35€, and a couple shirts, later in the day. But that's it. We went Dirndl shopping because Sister Lyman was determined not to end P-day without one. She got a  super cute one that's a light tan with a flower pattern, and a rose pink apron. It's adorable, and I am actually a little jealous. I decided that I'm going to be getting one before they disappear after Oktoberfest, because that's why they're all out right now. There are some super, super cute ones, too. Anyway. Getting distracted. Sorry. After that we went to visit one of our investigators and her mom. We baked them cookies, and then ended up talking about the Word of Wisdom with them, because Gina, the mom, had some thoughts about alcohol, and we brought up that we need to care for our bodies, like with exercise, and nutrition, and sleep, and she was intrigued, so we gave her a Word of Wisdom pamphlet, and chatted some more, then left. It was actually pretty cool how it just came up in normal conversation. I was pretty impressed.

Tuesday was kind of crazy, but I can't remember what happened. I do remember the end of day, haha! Here goes. So, we were in an appointment at the Pullans, and at 8:18, we checked bus times so we could get home on time, and saw it left at 8:24. So we yelled goodbye, and then literally grabbed our bags, and ran to the stop. And as we were getting to the gate, 2 minutes early, I might add, we saw our bus drive by. We were not happy. And we both needed a bathroom, so we started walking to the next stop. And 2 minutes later, another bus with the same number as the one before. Well. Turns out our bus was actually on time. That made us even more upset. So we kept walking. And found another stop with a bus that came. And started walking to the next stop. And then the bus drove by 10 minutes early. I looked back after Sister Lyman asked if that was a bus we heard. And I took off running at a full sprint to catch that bus. The stop was still a ways off. I only made it about 1/2 way there before I saw the bus pulling away. So I stopped and walked the rest of the way to the stop. I could not sit still, so I got up and paces while I waited for sister Lyman to arrive. She was laughing so hard, and said she wanted to get a video of me pretending to be a racehorse. She almost got her iPad out to video me, but was a little too slow.

Wednesday was the ward relief society preparedness night, and we were almost late. But we weren't, and it was fine. There were some super cool things, and I learned how to make a stove out of a soda can. It was lagit, and the coolest thing ever!!

Thursday was transfers, and stuff. Nothing terribly exciting. Sorry, no stories.

Friday, was super busy. We had a street display at 11 which we needed to finish coordinating, so we spent about 1/2 of companion study and Sprach (language study) getting everything ready and over to our spot, which ended up being, like a 10 minute walk from our apartment. We spent about 2 hours street contacting with this display of Copies of the Book of Mormon in about 30 different languages on a plastic table, with cards, and pamphlets, and just talked to people. i think in total, the 6 of us gave out, maybe 20 some odd copies, give or take. I normally don't like contacting, but today it was actually kind of fun. I never thought I'd say that, but it's true. After that, we went over to the Comtes to return their table, which we'd borrowed for the display. Then we went straight over to Sister Pullans because we'd told her we'd help with preparing refreshments for the baby shower she's been working on. We were there, serving, for about 4 hours, making frosting, and then frosting 3 or 4-dozen cupcakes, and about 3-dozen cookies. It took so long, but they turned out so cute. Our hands were stained with icing color. I told Sister Pullan that I liked her Shrek hands, because that's what color they were from the green icing color. Sister Lyman turned into an octopus for a couple minutes when she used the black icing to make the Mike Wazowski cookies. I just looked like a flour balloon had exploded on me, because I had powdered sugar on me from making the frosting. It was fun.

Saturday was nuts. I'm pretty sure we skipped our lunch our to go contacting over by Aukamm, then helped Sister Pullan finish prepping for a baby shower, went to the shower, and then headed over to Clay, a different base to meet with Brother Foote to help him with his talk, then back to Heinerberg, a 3rd base, to meet with the Comtes and Bobby. Bobby slaved in the kitchen to cook dinner for us. It was amazing. I think I told him he needed to have a cook- off with you, Danika. It was THAT good.

Sunday was chill. Once again, no stories. Sorry. I'm really tired, and my brain's not working correctly, so I can't remember all that many stories.

Anyway, I love you all, and hope everything is going well for you.

Bis Nächste Woche!! Ich hab' euch lieb!

-Sister Montgomery

12 months down, 6 to go. Weird - Sept 14, 2015

Hello, all!!

So, here're the fun stories of the week.

Monday, we went to Königstein as a zone -- well, most of us anyway-- and visited one of the castles. There were tunnels, and ruins, and it was fabulous! I didn't get any pictures, but Sister Lyman was the group photographer, so I will see what I can get from her, and then get the rest on my flash drive to bring home and show you. There were all kinds of tunnels, and catacombs, and spiders. It was fun!

Tuesday, we helped Sister Pullan prep for a baby shower, and she had a non-member friend there, too. We didn't get to talk to her about the Gospel, but we did finish getting stuff ready for the Baby Shower they're putting on. Later that night, we put on a missionary night for the Youth in the English and German Wards here in Wiesbaden, as well as the ward(s?) in Mainz (MINE-ts). Sister Lyman and I were over the contacting section. We set up a bus, gave everyone a slip of paper with a person they had to act out (like a drunk person, or a young parent, or something) some of them were missionaries, and had to find the 5 or so prepared people we 'd put out there (the slips said if they were prepared, willing to listen not prepared or a combo or whatever). It was actually a lot of fun. The kids were divided into 2 groups, about 20 in each group. It went better the second time around. They were kind of noisy both times, but the second time was better because I told them off the bat that we didn't want to have to yell to get their attention, or talk over them or anything. Sister Lyman was impressed that I thought to do that. I told her that 4 years of Marching Band (1 year leadership) and 6 younger siblings is helpful.

Wednesday, we went to visit some members, and talk to their 8 year old about Baptism. It went well. She was super shy, everyone but the dad was present, which was cool. Then we headed over Frankfurt for a Split with the Sister Training Leaders. I was in Frankfurt. We went and taught English. It was fun. Then we went home, planned, and then I saw that Sister Knutson (k-noot-sun), had a 3x3 AND a 4x4 Rubik’s Cube, so we spent some time fiddling with those, then went to bed.

Thursday, year mark. Not important. We had a couple lessons, had cake for lunch -- made me sick-- and then went to see an investigator -- she was smoking like a chimney, but was super sweet, so that counter balanced it. Our 3rd termin fell out, so we went home and finished studies, then headed over to the street display. We were there over 2 hours, which was fun, but contacting is still hard for me. Sister Lyman and I have a contacting transfer goal, though, so that should help. Anyway, after about an hour and a half, Sister Lyman and Sister Funk surprised me by walking up to the Display. Sister Knutson had called them earlier, and had forgotten to tell me that they were thinking about coming over early to help with the Display. Whatever, fine by me. Just wasn't expecting it. We stayed about another half an hour, and then headed out so we could get back for our dinner appointment.

Friday, we went over to the Pullans, and helped Sister Pullan start rearranging her house while her kids were at school, and her husband is TDYing right now, which is when someone is on short term leave for part of their job. It means "Temporary Duty something," but nobody knows what the Y stands for. Anyway. We helped with that, than came home and had lunch and did weekly planning, then went over to the Comtes and had dinner, and met with Bobby. We talked about Repentance, and the Atonement. It wasn't quite as powerful as we would have wanted, but we gave him a copy of "true to the faith," and challenged him to read more in the Book of Mormon. Like I said, it could have been better, but it went well.

Saturday, we had transfer calls, and both survived. I've been telling the members that they're "stuck with us" for 6 more weeks. They either laugh, or say "no, don't say that!" It's really funny. Then we had stake conference, down in Kaiserslautern. It was super cool. They focused on the Sacrament, and how to make it more meaningful, and everything was perfect for Bobby. But he wasn't there. He's received some news about his mom, and was trying to reach her, but was unable, so he decided not to come to Conference. Sister Lyman and I were both super upset. We slept over with the Kaiserslautern American Sisters, because we got permission, and it was easier and saved the mission money. That was super fun, getting to know the other sisters better. I love having the opportunity to get to know people. It's always a party :)

Sunday, was the General session of Stake Conference, once again focused on the sacrament, and perfect for Bobby, but he had something for work, so he didn't come then, either. Once again, Sister Lyman and I were upset. The Comtes took us home, and we Bakes pie. Sister Lyman made an apple pie, and I made a Banana Cream pie with homemade filling. It was super good. Then Bobby came over. As he was about to leave, I asked him if he'd been reading The Book of Mormon. He said yes. "Every day?" I asked. "Should I be?" He asked, cocking an eyebrow. I nodded my head. He then asked Brother and Sister Comte and Sister Lyman if they read everyday. Of course they all answered yes. So he said "okay, I guess I'll read every day." I walked into the kitchen to put something away, and did a fist pump victory/ happy dance. He made me so happy!!! Sister Lyman says she wishes she'd gotten it on video. Oh, well :/

Anyway, I love you all, and hope everything is going well for you.

Bis Nächste Woche!!

-Sister Montgomery

God's got our backs - September 7, 2015

Hey-oh, all!!

Monday, we celebrated Elder Boleks 19th Birthday with the Comtes. We played games, (munchkin, and Colt Express, which, Mom, you should totally check out. I'd say they were worth it), and had cake and Ice cream, and just had a party. It was a lot of fun, and a good P-day.

Tuesday, we had studies as normal, then went to visit some members, the Filimoe'ulie, I don't know how to pronounce their name, because it's Tongan. Anyway, then, we went to go visit another family, the Websters, who're having tremendous drama. They're ETSing, which means their leaving the Army, and have to get all their stuff ready to move, and get rid of things. That by its self is stressful. Add to that the fact that their 8 year old girl, Mahala (pronounced like McKayla, but with an H instead of s K), started having sever health problems and had been hospitalized since Saturday. They discovered that she has type-1 diabetes, and I learned that if it's not genetic, then it's caused by an allergy gone unchecked and the Antibodies have turned against the body. Mahala was almost at the point of seizures, her Pancreas was almost dead, and the antibodies had started attacking her Thyroid. Thankfully they caught it in time to save her Thyroid. But, Mom, you might want to have them do a blood test on Rene, and see what's up there, because it sounds similar to little Mahala. She's only a couple months older than the twins, and the doctors said that they thought she's been having problems for about 3 years. It could be his Wheat allergy, and I am now terrified that he's gonna be on an Insulin pump if we're not careful. Anyway, we ended up staying with Mahala for several hours because her parents ran to do some errands, and we didn't want to leave her alone in the hospital. Her parents were very grateful we stayed, but they weren't expecting us to still be there when they came back. But we were, and that was where I learned the stuff about Diabetes. Sister Webster has a book about it, and was explaining some stuff and I got scared. It reminded me of Rene, and Becca. But I just wanted to tell you that, Mom, so you know, because it really scared me.

Wednesday was crazy. We went early to the Church to prep stuff for some of the German lessons we give, so we had to leave, like an hour earlier. Then we had DDM, and ran for a bus to get to the hospital to visit Mahala again. She's doing better today, but their still trying to figure out insulin levels for her pump. They're getting closer, though, and her family has worked out some of the other drama their dealing with, so, that was good. Then it was off to the Rolfes to help with German homework, then back home for a cleaning check, and then off to our Dinner appointment. But the bus never came, so we took a different one, and ended up walking for about 20 minutes to get to the base. It was a long day. But I learned that our patience is often tried to help up grow, and that crap happens so we can learn things, and then use them later. Fact. I've seen it happen so many times.

Thursday was also crazy. We had 3 member appointments, plus running for Morgan Sport, travel, lesson, Zumba, lesson prep, and running trying not to be late. And! It started raining at one point. It was just a fun, crazy, busy day.

Friday, we celebrated Bobbys birthday! We went over to the Comtes and played games and had cake, and it was a lot of fun. When they came to sign us on, Bobby came down with Sister Comte to sign us on, and then drove us back up to the house, and we got to ride in his Mustang. It was pretty sweet. I'll see if I can get a picture:) anyway, Brother Comte made Lasagna-- homemade. It was spectacular! We were all full for hours after that mess. It was great  Ooh! Cool story. There was one point, between games, where Bobby was headed outside to take a smoke, and I convinced him not to do it. I don't know how I did it, but somehow I was able to talk him out of it, and tell him that it's all a mind game and that if he wants to change, he has to decide, that it's all a matter of breaking the habit, and that he can't let himself slip. He decided not to go smoke, which was really cool, and I am super excited to see who this man becomes when he finally makes a decision about Baptism. 

Saturday was kinds slow. We did studies and weekly planning, (got interrupted by the Stevens coming by to fix our bathroom sink, which had started to leak. Then went over to the Hospital visit Mahala, but she and her family were out and about, taking a break from the Hospital. So we left a note saying we'd come by, but we'd missed them. Later in the evening, we met up with the German Elders and Sisters and did singing contacting. We sang hymns in German, like, "how great thou art," "ye elders of Israel," "o, my father," "there is sunshine in my soul today," "I stand all amazed," and several others, and lots of people stopped to listen to us. We gave out a couple cards and a Book of Mormon throughout the course of the night. Then it started raining. We kept singing. Fewer people stopped to listen but they turned their heads as they walked by. After about an hour and a half total of standing in the freezing rain and wind, we decided to call it quits for the night. So we started walking home. Then, Elder Bolek decides to start singing "children go where I send thee," by The Nashville Tribute Band, and the rest of us eventually joined in. I didn't know all the words, but I did my best. Elder Trippe sang base, I did Alto, and everyone else sang melody, while we were walking, and it was actually a lot of fun. I think we sang it 3 or 4 times plus a couple EFY songs, and the EFY medley Army of Helaman/As Sisters in Zion while we took a round about route home. We were all just belting it out, and people stopped and stared as we walked by. Some of them clapped. It was really funny, and we decided we're going to practice more "fun" songs at DDM so we can do it again. I'm excited :)

Sunday we had a really cool lesson with Bobby, Sunday night. He fasted, but was unable to come to church, but we talked to him about ordinances and lesson 5. It was really cool, because he told us his real concerns, and we were kind of able to help, but he kept, kind of, rerouting back to it. But I felt the spirit so strong during that lesson; there was no mistaking the truths we were teaching. I can tell you that the spirit testifies of truths. And when you feel the spirit testifying, you would be crazy to deny it. It was amazing to see him making connections during the lesson, though.

Subject line explanation-- we were on the phone with the German Sisters, and Sister Hadfield made a brilliant observation. Sister Lyman was expressing herself, and how tired she was, and Sister Hadfield told us that her trainer would always tell her "well, it wasn't in the plan for today." He knows what he's doing, and understands what we need. And then went off on this beautiful tangent about trusting God, and how he knows everything, and just comforted her and told her that the love we show is more important than anything else. It was really cool, and very helpful. And it's really true. I could not have said it any better.

Anyway, I love you all, and hope everything is going well for you.

Bis Nächste Woche!!

-Sister Montgomery