Regen Regen Immerda (30.8.10)

Schöne Grüße aus München!!!

Nothing too exciting to report this week other than IT'S DONE NOTHING BUT RAIN!!!!! If zou need any moisture, let me know and I'll gladly send it your way. My whole time here, we've only had about 3 days of sunshine. Good thing I brought that rainjacket (with no hood).

The Sisters' conference Montag bis Mittwoch war really really good. By the end of it, Sis Schulthess and I were mentally and spiritually as well as physically drained. We learned so much and have seen a dramatic change in the way we teach. It's still hard to get people to talk to us, and all of our investigators speak only Englisch, but we'Re applying everything. We learned how to more effectively recognize the spirit and to make promises to our investigators of the blessings that come from the concepts we teach. Es ist wonderful to see our investigators responding to our now more thought-provoking questions.

My German is coming along, but I still feel really stunted when it comes to teaching because all of our investigators and teaching appointments are in Englisch. I see a difference in my teachings though. We were asked to teach the Gospel Principles class (3 min before it began) in the German branch, and I couldn't get anything out of my mind and into words. When I noticed that nothing was coming out, I signaled to Sis Schulthess and she took over while I read scriptures and asked simple questions. Then, when the Englisch branch came around, we had to teach again and I noticed that I had more of a grapple on the concepts. Maybe that's what I'm supposed to learn in this area.

We've decided to let Gioma go. When we went to meet her this week, we had to take our usual walk (the guards are really not liking us and lean out the window to hear what we're saying) she kept grabbing at her arms and throwing something down. She said the snakes were all over, but not on us. They were climbing all around her. She'd grip one and throw it to the ground 'in the name of Jesus'. It was quite an adventure. After awhile, she asked us to take her back. Sis Schulthess had suggested we go just this one last time to make certain whether or not she has mental problems. Now, we've decided just to give her an occasional phone call.

Zacharie didn't make it to church this week. We went to pick him up, but as we arrived the Elders called us to say that he'd been transferred.

Comfort is more than ready to be baptized. She could teach us, at the rate she's going. She's such a ray of light at the end of the week when all doors have been slammed.

Oktoberfest begins next week. Should be interesting. Luckily, we don't meet at\around\near the other ward building which is located right on Theresienwiese where Oktoberfest is held. We go by there occasionally and see how the prep is coming. It's amazing to see buildings and such being constructed just for it. Then, when it's done (the first week of Oktober) it'll just be an empty field. I'll try and get some pictures if we make it there before the fun begins. Pres Condie has shortened our Proselyting time during the fest so we're not out during 'Prime Time'.

We painted a member's kitchen on Saturday. BRIGHT LAVENDAR!! It looks...interesting. Luckily for us, she loved it. That's the color she picked up so that's what we did. She has a 5 zear old daughter who's room is flourescent pink so it was no surprise to us. We also helped Johanna and Franco in their restaurant. She's an inactive member and he's not a member at all. They will be opening a Sardinian and Italien Restaurant in a couple of weeks. We go every other week and help with the painting and building and gardening then they feed us reall Sardinian food. It's amazing. I've gotten to like calf.

Phrases of the week
'Du gehst mir auf die Keks' - You're getting on my nerves
'Wir schaukeln das Baby' - Don't worry, everything will work out in the end

Servus!
Sis Lind

Pic 1 - Sis Downs (curly haired. She's my 'sister' meaning my trainer was her trainer). Sis Schulthess. Me. In the courtyard of the Rathaus
Pic 2 - the symbol of München. The little monk with the bible and a peace sign.
Pic 3 - The Residence. König Ludwig lived here part-time (when he wasn't living in Neuschwanstein and the other 20 palaces around this area)
Pic 4 - Cathedral across from the Residence and Hofgarten

Parle vous Francais (23.8.10)

Grußi!!

Things are still going out here. This week has full of amazingness. No crazy food stories, but Sis Schulthess told me to start telling people I'm allergic to fish after last week's excursion (which made me sick). The first eating appointment we had after that decision.......Sis Schulthess had to eat a whole fish by herself.

Sometimes it's super frustrating to be serving in an English ward in addition to the German. We find ourselves teaching more lessons in English than in German. No stubborn Bayerisch people want to listen to us.

We have a semi-investigator named Gioma. The Elders actually found her when they were visiting someone in the Asylum, but they lovingly gave her to us. She's from Uganda. She had a tumor in her head and when the surgeon removed it, he must've messed up because she has lost her sight. She's very religious (as are all Africans) and keeps telling us to pray for her. When we go to teach her, we have to sit on some benches outside because the security guards WILL NOT let us inside. I think I told you about that experience last week. Anyway, we picked her up outside her building to teach her and she didn't want to walk to the benches because "I've been seeing snakes". We not sure if she's seeing things because of the surgery or if it's a mental thing. Apparently they bite her in the night and she can't sleep. She yells at them to "bow down in the name of Christ" but people just give her dirty looks. I think it's bed bugs, but we're not sure of anything with her. Even if she really wants to be taught by us or just wants someone to talk to.

We had an amazing experience of answered prayers. The day we first met Gioma and wanted to go to her room to teach her, but couldn't, we were crammed in the little entryway waiting for permission when a bunch of men walked in to go to their rooms. Because there's security, they have to check in and out, but Sis Schulthess and Gioma were arguing with the guards so they couldn't. ONe of them, an older man, pointed at my badge and said (in French) "Jesus Christ....me (pointing to himself)" he just kept repeating himself. We couldn't give him a card or anything because we knew that would just set the guards off so we left. This week, we'd been praying for someone to teach. When we went back to visit Gioma, there was a man standing outside. While we waited for her to come down, we talked to him. Well, tried to. He spoke french. We told him that we had a book we'd like to give him and to meet us at this same spot the next day. (You have to call Africans and "make appointments" the day you want to teach them because they never remember and are uysually never there). The next day, we figured he wouldn't be there, but we prayed that we could teach someone. We prayed and said that we were carrying a french, english, and german BoM and to help us find someone who spoke one of those. Then we went to the appointment that we knew wouldn't actually be there. But we went anyways. As we got there, about 12 men were meandering around the front of the building. We talked to all of them. I've never felt so attractive in my life. ;) I also got 3 marriage proposals out of the lesssons. AND the even better thing, besides the proposals, we saw that older French man who'd bnee crammed in the entryway with us. He smiled and came over to us and we were able to give him the French BoM. He was overjoyed. I've never seen anyone treasure a book in my entire life as this man did. His name is Zacharie and he's from Congo. He's very patient with our lack of french, but still talks to us in it. It's weird, but I can pick out a lot of what he says and figure out what he's trying to tell us. I know that our prayers are answered when we have faith and ask for specific things, not generalities. Keep that in mind the next time you say a prayer. I have! Zacharie came to church too. Miraculously, one of the Elders speaks enough french to teach him a little bit when the lady who said she could translate for us didn't actually speak enough french to know what was going on. And she works for the EU.

We had Zone Conference on Friday. It was amazing! We learned about a new scheduling system all the European missions are going to be using, and then we practiced a lot of things. In particular, something we call a "zero". It's the first thing we do when meeting with someone the first time. It's to give us a grasp on what the person's needs are and what questions they may have. All the missionaries in our zone come together from all the surrounding areas of Munchen. We had about 30 missionaries together. It was really neat. That's when we get our mail too, so if I don't respond to something immediately, please don't be upset...I probably haven't even received it. Received awesome letters this week at Zone conference. It's the only time we receive mail unless it's sent directly to our apt. I got a beautiful card from Popes and a really creative letter from Moores/Whitneys. They're both hanging on my wall above my desk and really made my day to actually get some mail. My side of the room actually looks lived in (says Sis Schulthess).

Comfort is still progressing faster than we can create lessons for her. She's truly a light and accepts things faster than a sponge. Barbara has been so busy lately that we haven't gotten a chance to meet with her since we set her baptismal date, so we'll have to reschedule hers. No worries! Something else to look forward to.

We had a dinner appointment Fri night and I got eaten alive by mosquitoes. Sis SChulthess didn't even get one. We joke that everyone and everything likes me better. I have 4 on my ankle, 3 on my calves, one right on the back of my knee, one on my inner thigh (which is totally rubbed raw when walking), 2 on my left arm, and 1 on my right. Would send pics, but I don't think you would care to see. The ones on my ankle are super red and swollen even though I haven't scratched them at all. I'm sooooooooo glad I have the anti-itch cream. It's a lifesaver. Can't imagine how Tay's going to make it.

We have a last-minute Sister's Conference for the next three days. On Saturday, Pres Condie called and asked us how much room we have in our apt. We only have a couch, but lots of floor space. All the sisters in the entire mission are coming to Munchen. His phonecall freaked us out a little because we didn't know why he was calling such a major conference on such short notice. Sis Condie was able to give us more info when she called later on. We wouldn't need to have any sisters staying with us because of our lack of space without them bringing in a mattress and blankets. At Zone conference, Pres Condie explained that it wasn't anything serious, just to explain and train in the new format the European missions are going to be using. The sisters get the training first before the District Leaders and Zone Leaders. It should be interesting. We went to the Zoo with an American family today for Pday and then Sis Schulthess and I got some really good Gelato and are now at the church building to help set up for the conference. Gotta go!!!! Sisters are beginning to arrive. Lotsa love!!!

Bis Spaeter!!!
Sister Lind.

Mom - could you PAH-LEASE send me some recipes. We're getting super desperate for some homemade stuff besides the Mozart Kuchen recipe we have perfected and can make from memory.
Sydna - Thank you so much for the card. It really gave me a boost after a long streak of slammed doors. The Magpentay's are in my International Ward. Their daughter Ida got married this weekend and their son is on a mission (I can't remember where). They've been out of town a lot (as has the rest of the ward) because of Urlaub and have been really busy with the wedding, but I will talk to them on Sunday.
Moore/Whitney - I absolutely love the letter you sent. That is such a creative idea. I opened it on the Ubahn on our way home and got plenty of stares and eyes over my shoulder as I unfurled bright paper and magazine clippings. I have it hanging over my desk and it certainly brightens up our drab apartment.
Em-J - Could you tell Trevor Hatch something for me. Tell him Denise Davidova is in my ward here. He taught her on his mission. Also, tell Gordie that I Sister from his mission (Sis Koch) is here in my ward as well.

Bayerisch bin Ich!!!!!!!! (9.8.10)

Liebe Familie minus zwei-

Mom sent me the email my mission president's wife sent, telling you of my arrival. Sorry if there are some letter mix-ups in this email---the keyboard is NOT normal as it has all the umlauts and other funky keys. Also, don't judge my lack of English skills. Apparently, I'm forgetting how to spell and words are escaping my mind.

We've had so much rain here you'd think it was fall in Ireland. TOday was beautiful so I was really abokle to experience the city. OUr churhc building is right next to where Oktoberfest is held. MACHO CRAZY time coming up.

All is well here in Munich and I'm really getting the hang of things quickly. That first Tuesday was the roughest day as far as jet-lag. We walked off the plane at 7:30, no customs, and had Pres Condie, his wife, and the assistants were waiting for us. Then, our bags were immediately loaded up and driven away and we just stood there on the street heading the other direction. We were given a BoM, some pass-along cards, and were sent on our way; being reminded that we couldnät enter the mission office until we had given the stuff away. So, with sleep still in our eyes, and ears not even popped we headed out into the unknown. By the time we finally had walked to the mission office, the jet lag was starting to kick in. But no, we were not given a break nor a place to rest. We were taken down to the conference room where we were in workshops and training sessions the whole rest of the day. Sis Condie told us that if we feel sleepy, we were to stand up. By noon, there was no one sitting and it was like that for the rest of the day. Around 16:30 we were herded to the mission home down the block and were able to unload. We were fed a true German meal of Leberkäs und Brötchen. It was amazing!! While we waited for our food to digest, Pres Condie played his phantastisch Organ for us. His skills are phenomenal!! Following a testimony meeting and further enlightenment from the Assistants, we were about asleep in our chairs. Then came the big moment,,,,,,,the revealing of our first areas. The Assistants brought out a big mission map and Pres Condie pulled out his list. One by one we were called up and our area and trainer were revealed. Munich it is!!!! The four sisters stayed in the mission home for the night, while the 6 Elders crowded into the office secretaries and the Assistants apartments. Can´t imagine how cozy that must NOT have been.

Since then, I haven't had any problems with Jet Lag. But MAN, that was the absolute worst experience of mz life. I never want to feel that tired ever again. Not kosher!

Mz companion is Sis Schulthess from FL. She´s super patient and helps me a lot by pushing me into stopping people on the street. One of our favorite phrases is ´you never get checked out like this as a civilian´. It´s true!! Everyone here simply stares. Not just at us, but in general. It´s nerve-wracking, but I´ve just gotten used to having unofficial staring contests. I ALWAYS WIN!!! Her German skills are super and that helps a lot. Oftentimes we just randomly switch in and out of German-mode with no problems. It´s fun. When we´re alone on the street or train station we´ll speak in English then as soon as one of us sees someone approaching, into German mid conversation.

We cover two different wards. One of the German ones and the International one. Meaning-----I speak English half the time. Most of our investigators right now are English-speakers. We´re teaching two women from Africa and one of them even has a baptismal date. We are looking forth to our first convert, named Comfort (Nigeria), Sept 12th...and we taught her everything. She looks and acts like an Aunt Jemima - super friendly and welcoming and always ready for hugs. It´s an awesome feeling to have someone know that everything zou´re teaching them is true simply because they´ve prayed and felt the love. We´re hoping to be able to get another meeting with our other investigator Sally (from Kenya) this week so we can get her scheduled for a baptism as well. It's true what the scriptures say about the gospel going to the poor and the humble first. The only people who are receiving the gospel are the ones from the worst conditions. I've officiallz learned what it means to be living "in Asylum". We teach Comfort and Sally in Asylum homes. They have amazing stories and wonderful spirits.

Had an interesting experience at church yesterday. My testimony of the priesthood and of the officers of the church has grown. Since we cover two wards, we stay at the church all day. The first ward meets at 9:30 (German) and the International ward meets at 14:30. The German ward went without a hitch - no investigators. The International ward was where the experience happened. In Relief Society (which is the first hour), the lesson was on the Priesthood. Things quickly got out of hand. American members started saying that Bishops were men and that it was alright to turn down callings. Two women in particular got quite heated in their remarks about Priesthood holders. I don't know exactly what happened, but I started to cry. The things they were saying were completely out of line and were even mentioning temple stuff with ease. I was hurt in a completely different way then I've ever been hurt before. I was just blown away. Luckily, our investigators hadn't arrived yet. There were Utah members there, and they tried to get things straightened out by stating the truth about the Priesthood and those who hold it, but the women causing the problems would not back down. It was absolutely awful, but I gained a very strong testimony of the Priesthood. I was asked to introduce myself in sacrament meeting and apparently, I brought those women to tears.

OUr first Pday started with an appointment who turned out not even to be there. That means our Pday (which usually ends at 18:00, now ends at 19:00. We got groceries and picked up small things. Then, we went to the Rathaus which is BEAUTIFUL!! We got there right as the 16:00 bells rang (thez onlz ring twice a day). As we walked out of the courtyard we saw people smiling and waving in our direction (which is super super weird in München). Turns out, they were from Salt Lake. It was odd, but it gave us a boost. The milk-maid style looking dresses that the Riccola brand use (traditional German dresses) are worn like everyday clothes. They're even worn to church. It's awesome! We went and tried some on and man, when they say they're meant to be tight they mean it. The dresses are called Dierndel and they're sold everywhere evene the Walmart kind of stores. Neato!!

Address
Alfred-Schmidt Str 35
31379 München

We take the U-bahn everywhere and I´ve finally started being able to figure out where we´re going. I got a map today so I'll be able to give directions soon.

Funny food story----Here zou HAVE to eat everything and I'm learning how to eat so it looks like I'm eating more than I actually am. Anyway...so we were teaching Comfort in her room in the Asylum (she's luckz to have her own room) and were eating a meat sauce over rice. It was really good and my companion and I were gladlz able to finish the plate. Then, Sis Schulthess asked Comfort how she made it. (In mixed ENglish and German) "You take the m###n and the tomatoe...." Afterwards Sis S and I were talking and the recipe came up. My comp says "yeah, I was waiting for your reaction to the magen" Apparently, it was MAGEN we ate...not MUTTON. And for those non-German speakers 'magen' = STOMACH.... It was interesting, and I told my comp NEVER to tell me what we're eating even if I ask.

Tell TAy to just get the cases they have at the MTC bookstore. There's a 40%missionary discount. If he still says to send them, tell him he'll be able to get them at his mission home. He'll survive until them.
Whenever we talk to someone Sis S usually starts the conversation then I jump in. The person we talk to stops after the first word I say and asks "are you German". Apparently I could say Eichhörnchen and people would know I had native ttraining. It-s super funny.

If Isaac Moats thinks he's taking over my family, he'd better watch out.

Gotta go now
ALLES LIEBE
Sis Lind