People, Projects and Posibilities

A New Week
This is our first full week on our own and we started it out at the office with a bang. On the agenda: the Europe Area humanitarian newsletter, travel reservations, financials, and preparation for the Area Humanitarian Committee (AHC) meeting.  We were just short of panic mode Monday morning trying to gather all of the project information together, review it so we were fluent in each project so we could discuss them with the Area Welfare Manager and answer his questions intelligently. We were as ready as possible for the meeting in our beginner stage of understanding, but on the morning of the meeting we got to the office.... and discovered that there were more projects that had been submitted. Let's review them; oh the budget calculation is wrong for Bosnia and Serbia; why won't this print?; the meeting is in 10 minutes!, What do you mean, we need 9 copies of everything!

The rest of the week was a joy. We talked with our humanitarian couples about plans, projects and a few problems. Those couples are the greatest! They are so committed and excited about the work they do in their countries with people who are relieving suffering and lifting the poor.  They put their whole heart into the work and their excitement rubs off on us too.  We feel great comfort having these couples to work with, a kind support system and a great manager that always takes time to listen and patiently answer our questions.

Tuesday was a national holiday so we finished hanging our clothes up in our apartment and went to the grocery store. Sister Lindsay got some wash done and I did some ironing. Life is good when there is no stress... but there is no real happiness in that. Happiness and joy come from working and serving other people.


                          My closet with freshly ironed shirts. I really like white shirts, can you tell?
Time for a Walk
We took a neighborhood exploration walk through the very large and beautiful cemetery one day. It is full of mature and beautiful trees.  It was interesting to see the beautiful flower gardens that are planted atop the graves. It rains often so no sprinklers are needed and the flower gardens thrive on their own. The families come regularly to prune and maintain them. It was nice to see grandparents with children visiting the graves, connecting generations and passing on their family traditions.  It is a lovely place of serenity and beauty.

After a long day it is nice to check the emails and stay in touch with friends and family.

 We attended our first baptism today, Saturday. Jan was baptized by Elder Van Hoff

 Sister Lindsay with Sister Steineckert, they served together in the stake Relief Society presidency at home and now serve together here in Frankfurt

 View of our apartment building and area office from the chapel

 

Our galley kitchen with the five recycling trash cans

It was fast Sunday today, and it was special because we saw the Sunday afternoon session of General Conference in our last two hours of the block. Due to the time difference most of us can't stay up to watch all sessions live, so they watch the final session during Sunday School and Priesthood/Relief Society hours. What inspired and powerful talks. We felt the Spirit and will be studying the talks for the next six months.

Sunset from our balcony. Time for sleep and to get ready to start a new day.

The gospel is true. Jesus Christ is the son of God and he stands at the head of His church. The Holy Ghost has witnessed that to my soul. We know God loves us and he has inspired those that spoke at conference so that His voice to us may be heard not only by the members of the Church, but by all that will listen no matter what their faith or no faith at all. God bless us all as we listen and obey.