We got to meet President Miles and his wife this week. They are amazing! He is short, stout, and super funny. They came to Vienna full out on Jetlag. The day they arrived, they ate dinner with Pres and Sis Condie, then went to bed. The next morning, they were in Salzburg for the day, then the next day with us. I remember that first day of jetlag sooooo welll. We were all standing the whole time they were having us in workshops. Not a good idea if they expect us to remember anything.
It surprised us all when the Miles' showed family pictures and he is tearing up the mountain going Helicopter skiing and skydiving. Definitely and adventurous and energetic man. They are both going to do wonders here and I'm so excited to serve with them. It was also kind of weird to see pictures of Elder Nelson (Sis Miles' dad) wearing jeans and lounging on the couch. Shows that the General Authorities really and truly are just normal people with a special calling. Sis Miles is one of 10 kids!!!!!!!!!...way too many for me so Mom and Dad, don't be expecting that many grandkids from me.
2 baptisms this week. Ekarin and Bin Bin were both baptized on Saturday. They were both beautiful and very unique meetings. We had planned Ekarin's because he is super super shy and didn'T know anyone. His was a very simple and spiritually beautiful one. Many members came and other missionaries had brought investigators so it was a very intimate one. He had asked me to do a musical number, so I played 'I Believe in Christ' on the piano with my own improvising. Everyone came up to me afterwards and said that they wanted the sheetmusic to it so I had to tell them 'Take the book off the piano and turn to number 134'. It was funny to see their reactions when they realized it was just the hymn. Made me smile. Ekarin asked Liberty to baptize him. Marvelous Liberty Gold (no joke, that'S his name) has been a member for about 7 months or so and is SUPER strong!!! He is an even better missionary than all the members combined. He carries our pass along cards in his bag and stops any and all Africans on the street and hugs them and gets their numbers as if he's known them forever. He'S awesome. It was a great day to see him and he lit up so much. It's great to see the Priesthood in action especially from one so new to the gospel. It makes such a strong bond between the person baptizing the new Convert.
Bin Bin had had her Baptism planned for months on end so hers was a little more elaborate. She is married to local member from one of the other wards so EVERYONE was there. IT WAS HUGE!!!!!!!! About as big as Sunday Sacrament meeting if not bigger. In total, it lasted 2 1\2 hours. She had A LOT going on. 4 musical numbers including one Christian song that she sang through first then we all sang, 3 talks, 2 times where she 'wanted to say a few words' (aka spoke for 5+ min), and her husbands grandma from France flew in and gave a testimony (talk) which then had to be translated (took another 10 min). It was spiritually strong, but super super long.
We got a new bishopric on Sunday. Bishop Mamouney is heading back to Australia in a month so they released him. The new Bishop is Paul Jovero. Councilors - Ed Garcia, Dean Meservy. Br Jovero has come on many Joint-teaches with us and has always been concerned about the missionary work. His is a wonderful member and everyone loves him and his family. It was really no surprise.
I'm having a rough week, but am trying to stay positive. All my free time, I just read on my top bunk bed which always makes me feel better. Just wish I had some of my favorite novels and mysteries. Oh well, I'm devouring the Conference Liahona. I'm glad there are other Sisters in the apt, it really helps me. This transfer is 7 weeks long since we got a new mission president and next transfer is only 5 weeks so we can get back on track.
Pic 1 - Br and Sis Brosnahan (Senior Couple), Ekarin (from Thailand), Liberty (from Nigeria, Ekarin was his first baptism ever).
Pic 2 - Bin Bin and her family.
Popes - I have tried calling MT many times this week, but haven't been able to get a hold of her. Will keep trying though, no worries.
I received letters from Kelly Degroff, and Mabry family and will try and get responses out today. I can'T believe Gracie is in 1st grade!! Man, how time flies. I think that, every time I see Marilyn Michalsky too, since I still remember sitting next to Laura at Girls' Camp when she was VERY pregnant and feeling Marilyn kick while Fireflies buzzed at our feet.
Alles Liebe - -
Sister Chocolate
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