12-28-15

I love the picture.  It was a nice surprise.  You were also very sneaky and only boring stuff was to be seen on the custom form.  I'm happy the frame survived too.  I love it.  And everything else.  It was funny, I pulled out the pen, and Sister Riser said "Is that a dolphin!?"  It was hilarious.

I'm good on clothes actually.  While they do wear out faster than suits, most Sisters leave cloths behind when they move areas or go home, so there's a constant supply of clothing.  When the zipper on my black skirt broke, I managed to find another one.  Although I do understand why they leave things behind.  They do get worn, and wearing the same things every week is boring.

It's so cool that you shared the pioneer stuff.  On Saturday, we watched 17 Miracles.  So good.

So, we went to Tina's to bring her to church.  She wasn't there and her phone was off.  The Hausmeister said she was at a friends.

I'm so happy I got to see you guys Friday.  I loved the chaos and excitement, it felt like home.  I'm so glad you're my family.

I love you all and have a wonderful New Year.

Love,

Rachel

 

 

12-21-15

Mom.  Do you realize that this is the first time I want to go see a
movie.  I was fine with Avengers, Cinderella, I was even okay with you
all seeing Little Mermaid in Hales Theatre.  But Star Wars?  There's
so much merchandise everywhere! Last p-day we turned a corner to go to
C&A and there were two giant Star Wars posters on the building!  This
is torture!

It's also been really entertaining to see how some people are so mad
that the books are no longer canon.  Or debating if they should see it
our not.  My last companion was like that until we were walking past a
screen that had the trailer playing.  Then she's was all over it.

At least I get to eat Star Wars themed chocolate.

Anyway, this week was crazy.  We had Zone Conference with Elder
Johnson of the area presidency.  Found out I went to school with his
nephew, who plays violin, for two years.  Learned a bunch of stuff.
We also went by on potentials and dropped Christmas cookies off to
members.  Tina didn't show up to church, so she's still not confirmed,
and talked to some awesome people.

So much happened this week, and I barley remember it.  That's what
journals are for.

Oh, I'm attaching Last Christmas German style.  While at Gemiko (I
have no idea what the English word is.  We talk with the Ward Mission
Leader about missionary stuff.) Ther daughter played it for us, and
Sister Riser recorded it.  It's a million times better in German.
Sadly, I can not send you it all, but it's really, really funny.

For Skype, Sister Fahl asked us to do it whenever works best for you.
So just send me a time.  It'll probably be between 9-11 am Christmas
Day.

Merry Christmas y'all!

Zone Conference

12-14-15

Missions holding onto our gifts.  And yes, people are more willing to listen.

Transfers happened, and Tina got baptized!  Sister Riser is awesome, as expected.  I don't even know what else happened this week.

Transfers were fun because I wasn't alone I got to spend four hours with Elder and Sister Hart.  They are among my favorite mission couple.  I love missionary couples.

Nice to know Jake's not dead, and all the Star Wars stuff is making me trunky.  I'll live though.  I guess Star Wars can wait.  Besides, there's plenty of other Christmas things to distract me.  

There aren't a lot of Christmas decor outside of Christmas markets.  It's a German tradiation that the decoration goes up on Christmas Eve while the kids are gone.  Because the Christkind Angel comes and puts them up.

I hope you all have a fabulous week!

Love,

Rachel

12-7-15

Baptism is this Saturday.  Transfer are Tomorrow and I will be joined by Sister Riser.  Sister Jackson made me promise to send her lots of pictures.

I'm glad you got to go to temple square, and be seeing some baptisms of your own.

I think that'll be perfect for Kersten.

I have a confession.  I my have bought me a stuffed panda bear last week.

Sorry this letter is short.  I don't really know what happened this week.  I got the hat Kersten made.

Love you all!

11-30-15

So, Tina's going to be baptized next week.  Both us and the ward feel it's best to make sure she really understands and can get to know the ward better.  She is so prepared though.  There is no doubt that she will make it to the waters of baptism.  She's awesome.

Weihnachtsmarkts are up!  I feel so lucky to be serving in the Nürnburg Zone right now.  And, the ward fave all the missionaries chocolate advent calendars.  I'm so excited for the season.

And the new Christmas video is amazing!!!  If you haven't seen it yet, you should do that. Right now.  It's incredible.  I love the invitation at the end to discover why.  Sharon that video with people this Christmas Season is going to be so much fun!  I love Christmas.

Guess what, Germans to Christmas a bit like us.  Open all the gifts on Heiligabend. I'm not sure about Christmas morning, I've heard mixed things.  But Our way of doing Christmas Eve is not as strange as people think.

I love you all and hope you have a fantastic week!

Love,

11-23-15

Tina has a tauf date.  I don't really believe it either.  Right now it's the fifth of December, but we're going to double check that she's okay with that.  Two weeks really isn't a ton of time, but we can schaf it.

That was a lot of danglish.  Sorry.  Baptismal date and we can do it.  Tina is just amazing.  

That is hilarious.  What did the Elders think of it?  I'm sure they loved you.  Dinner appointments are the best.

I love all the talks you send. Money are brilliant.

This week, we were invited to a music night at Bishop's house.  Basically a few people, member and non member alike, get together and have an informal music talent show.  I wound up playing If You Could Hie to Kolob on the violin because everyone was trying to get Elder Morris to play, but he hadn't for three years and was super nervous, so I took one for the team.  I was shaking so bad and was impressed I even remembered it.  It was nice to hold a violin again though.  And the Ackermann's violin is so nice.  Like Grandma's standard.

That's really it.  Teaching Tina and talking to everyone.  Being grateful weekly planning is on Friday because it rained non stop all day.  We also got snow. Yes, I'm happy.

I don't know any to get Kersten!  I'd make her something, but I can't really do that...Maybe something chicken related...or Doctor Who because she's obsessed...or something to do with tea...or knitting...do you have any thoughts?  I'll make my final decision in a week or two.  I need to think.

I love you all!  Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Love,

Rachel 

P.S. There will be a YSA thingy on Thursday and an American member is having us over on Saturday. (It's not a holiday in Germany and they want their kids there)

11-16-15

For the musical number we did Nearer my God to Thee.  I messed with the chords a bit, first verse was normal in German, second verse, Sister Jackson sang tenor in German, third verse was verse five in English, and we repeated the last line in German.  It went okay.  Not terrible and no major mess ups, so I'm alive.

This week we did a bunch of contacting activities with the Elders, and found Tina.  This adorable lady from Nigeria.  I didn't get to meet with her because I was on a split in Coburg, but she sounds amazing.  I'll get to meet her tomorrow:)

Time is so weird on a mission.  The days are weeks, but the weeks are days.  I can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving already.

Hopefully you get another peaceful week before the craziness of Thanksgiving happens.

I love you all and promise to wait until Christmas to open it.

Lots of love,

Rachel