I Am Grateful That Heavenly Father Watches Over His Missionaries, And That He Sends The Holy Ghost To Calm Our hearts.

September 21, 2015

This week was strange but still enjoyable!

So we met with Doreen and she wants to be baptized! We talked about the book of Mormon and read about the Atonement. She has some drawbacks but we read in Alma 7 verses 11-13 and this warm feeling just flooded the room! I felt the spirit so strong and warm in my heart, and we could see it in her face, too. The next day she texted us with all these worries about her family and the fight between her heart and head. It took a few texts\calls and for a time we thought she was GONE buuuut now we are going over tomorrow. She wants to read the Book of Mormon through to really feel good about everything. I love her so much and it's been a bit of a rollercoaster with emotions, BUT I know that it's all worth it. Mal schauen how it goes tomorrow. woohoo!

So we saw Holger and Rene, (Rene is his MAN neighbor) on Wednesday. They brought another friend. So we were sitting there chatting about the temple last week and then the friend was like I think there is an anti-Christ here among you..... And it all went downhill from there. He kept grouping our Faith generally with other religions and was totally bashing us. I was trying to tell him that we actually believe in a prophet who is called of God, and I said, "you can look at that picture over there to see the past few prophets"  (pointing at a picture on the wall) and then PRACTICALLY interrupting me he says, without looking to where I was pointing, " that's nice." and just kept looking forward. I don't know if I let it literally happen but auf jeden fall inwardly my jaw dropped. I WAS TOTALLY RAGING FOR LIKE 20 seconds.  Oh my goodness it was so hard no to lose it. Rene and Holger were both lost with the point he was trying to make, if anything they both became more interested in what we had to say. Holger was totally sticking up for us it was so precious!!! I love them and I really hope that this week goes much better!

So we have not heard anything more from Lou, buuuuut at least we know she still cares! Keep her in your prayers.

Sister Reed is doing well. She has the most lovely curly hair! I love being with her.

Oktoberfest starts soooonish they are setting up all this good stuff in Market so it should start soon. I hope to get another dirdndl when they go on sale after its all over. woooo dirndls

The best thing to happen was on Wednesday after our appnt with the three men. That morning before district meeting was when Doreen had texted us and all emotions and thoughts went everywhere, then we were feeling discouraged after said appnt with men, BUT THEN sister Todd, the American sister in our ward called. She said she had made too many chicken enchiladas for the elders and invited us to come over too. MIRACLE. Oh man such a tender mercy after a rough day!!! I was so grateful and my little heart just sang as we got to their house. The Todd family is a crack up, and really a second home for the missionaries here. It was a little sign that Heavenly Father is watching out for us.

Wellll So about this earthquake business in Chile. There are all these little info screens in Bahnhof here and while waiting for our s bahn I saw that there was this huuuge earthquake in Chile.....BUT nothing really stirred inside of me! I mean don't get me wrong of course I was worried, but I felt calm. Then mom emailed me and then dad as well within a few hours, and I knew it was all good. I am grateful that Heavenly Father watches over His missionaries, and that He sends the Holy Ghost to calm our hearts. Stoked to see what Megan says about it all.

To conclude I will end with a shout out to a ward member\missionary supporter....drum roll please...MARC!! Marc has meet like over 600 missionaries in the past few years and knows them all with face and name (including sister Knecht!) he also brings us donuts. He is cool, and I told him now for the past 6 weeks I would give him a shout out (he follows the blog) Wooooo Hi Marc!!!! (I'll send a pic)

I know that this work is important. I know that God answers our prayers. It is possible for every single one of us to come to know Christ, and feel the personal love he has for each of us. We are capable of not just keeping the commandments, but of changing our desires to want what God wants. He can change us!

ALLES LIEBE

SISTER MITTLEMAN

Elder Clarke & Schester Mittleman eating enchiladas at the Todd's home 

Fried Bananas!

Going To The Temple Was Definitely The Highlight Of The Week. I Love The Temple!!

September 14, 2015

CH BLEIBE!!!!!! I am staying another 6 weeks here in Leipzig!!! VICTORY!!! Friday night I was getting really nervous and reminiscing on all the good times I have already had here, and the week went oh so well that I dreaded the thought of leaving. BUT it's all good. Tis noch things to do!! 

Sister Reed and I are staying together, and Elder Clarke will stay as well. This will be the longest I've stayed with a companion!! (3 transfers) and the longest I will have had the same district leader (4 transfers) haha, it's weird that out of my 13 transfers in the mission, Elder Clarke will be apart of 4. Who knew?!

OH MAN this week was solid.

This lady had called up the elders and said she wanted to have missionaries over, so we went. Her name is Dorin, she met with missionaries 5 or 6 years ago, then had an accident and is now on the search again for a new direction. We met Tuesday and Thursday. Talked about the restoration and the Book of Mormon. In our first lesson all of a sudden after talking about finding the truth out she said that she was having this feeling that she should just kick us out, AND there was like this total dark change in her countenance and I was like UHHHHHHHH. We talked her out of it and about focusing on the good feelings. Quite strange, but we were thankfully able to bring the spirit back to the conversation. She was able to get a ride to church with a member, and a few members came up to her before and after, not just to introduce themselves but to give their testimonies as well. ALL RIGHT.  She really liked church!!! It was way cool. We go back tomorrow. It’s only been a week now of knowing her, I'm stoked to see how it goes from here, despite the forces working against her.

We met with Holger on Wednesday, his friend couldn't come then...BUT THEY BOTH CAME ON OUR AUSFLUG TO THE TEMPEL!!! I WENT TO THE TEMPLE!!!! Oh man Saturday morning we took the train to Freiberg. It is such a pretty city! The Temple is so being renovated, but there was still a special spirit there. It was so calm outside, and just peaceful. I am so grateful we could go, and bring people along. Holger's friend is Rene, they are actually neighbors. It was pretty new for them both, but they were impressed at how heartfelt and sincere everything was. I LOVE THEM. it was like a whole day trip, so we really got to know them better and we are now good friends. We got our transfer call while there, and Holger was so excited that I am staying. We meet with them both on Wednesday.

Going to the Temple was definitely the highlight of the week. I love the Temple!!

OH AND HOW COULD I FORGET. Saturday night I woke up in the middle of the night and then I couldn't fall back asleep. Super lame. AND THEN the phone lit up and we got a text. In my tired state I checked it and guess who it was???? LOU SONG!!!!! Turns out she went to China for a month and didn't have access to her number. Oh my goodness I wanted to cry!!  haha then I really couldn't fall asleep :) 

I really love this city. I LOVE LEIPZIG. So many adventures everyday. So many different people. Germany is just gorgeous. I feel such love for those I meet here. I feel so humble and so blessed to serve here. I love my mission!!!

This week was such a good week. One of those weeks that really reminded me why I am here, and why I will keep going on. This work is important. Not everything is easy. Not everything is happy and joyful. But we are working for the day when all will be perfect! I know that day will come. I know that we cannot just endure, but enjoy. Heavenly Father loves us. He wants and expects us to succeed! I love my Savior, and I love His Gospel that brings so much clarity and purpose to my life. 

2 Nephi 33:6 I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell.

LIEBE GRÜSSE AUS LEIPZIG

Sister Mittleman

Schwester Mittleman at the Temple

Temple visit with investigator's

There Is No Other Place Where I Would Rather Be Than The Streets O' Leipzig.

September 7, 2015

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMMA!!!! I know it is not until Wednesday and Germans usually don't say anything before the actual day, buuuuuut I won't talk until next week so I shall say it now!!!! LOOOOOOVE YOUUUUUUU. Hope you have fun in Idaho and Utah!!!!! That will be way fun. YOUNG FOREVER!!!!!!

Sooooooo this week was really cool, I enjoyed this week.

Sister Reed is doing well. I really love serving here with her. She is really funny and we laugh about the same things, which is always fun. She is a straightforward type of gal, (I think anyone is after serving in Germany for a while :) ) and it's good. I love her!!!! Hope we can stay together another transfer!!!!

So we have not heard ANYTHING from Lou, I repeat: we have heard nooothing. Tis sad, I know, but life goes on. It was a good run while it lasted. She made lots of progress and our conversations of faith and God's love were very sincere. Even though she did not get baptized (yet) I know that all of our efforts were helpful and strengthened her. And that's what it's all about. SOMEDAY she will be ready. 

We met with Holger, He bought cookies for us. HE IS SO COOL. His voice is so deep and his accent is sooo thick I looooove it!!!! Turns out his friend who came to church a few weeks ago wants to come to our meetings as well. woohooo!! Hopefully this week he will join us. So we talked more deeply about the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with Holger.  He really just needs to feel the confirmation of the spirit telling him that EVEN HE needs to get baptized. For him, he already shows God he loves Him by praying and keeping the commandments, he doesn't need to go under the water to "prove" anything. Oh man it's hard not to just say "Well, you know what Holger, it's not what we want is it, it's what God wants!" meeeeeeenschenkinder!!!! Psalm 40:8 comes to mind (a good life motto) " I delight to do thy will, O my God, thy law is within my heart."  Even if we don't understand fully the WHY behind everything, we should do it first out of love to God. I know that we can trust our Father in Heaven, I know that everything He asks of us is for our good. We should just do whatever He asks of us, because we love Him. Anyway, Elder Clarke had told us that they were planning on taking a few people to the temple (President Fingerle allows us to take investigators/less active members, etc to the Freiberg Temple, although it is closed, to see it and to have a little lesson with the missionaries there, waaaay cooool!) and invited us to invite anyone to come with: SO we invited Holger and he said YES!!!!! WE ARE GOING TO THE TEMPLE!!!!! I am so so so beyond excited!!! On Saturday. It has been a whole year since I have been to a temple!!!!!!! What a blessing. I hope and pray that the special spirit there will touch Holger's heart. mal schauen!!

Best thing of the week was my interview with Präsident Fingerle! Such a stud. IT WAS ALL IN GERMAN. What a riot that was!! I loved it!!  haha we were some of the last on that day so my interview was not until 21 or so! We just asked a few questions to each other, everything he said was very thoughtful and helpful, things I had not yet thought about. He offered to give everyone a blessing at the end, and that was very cool as well! In my blessing there were four points THAT EXACTLY WERE WHAT I NEEDED TO HEAR. I know that President Fingerle is one called by God to lead us in this mission. I love him and and I am grateful to serve with him.

Thursday to Friday we had exchanges and I WENT TO CHEMNITZ WITH SISTER KRONWITTER!!! That was fun being comps with her for a day :) Get this: One year ago exactly we were companions still in the mtc! TOTAL WAHNSINN. I love her so much and we just had a blast together. (It was hard to say goodbye, that was the challenging thing this week)

TRANSFER CALLS ARE SATURDAY. It is possible that I stay or go. I keep going back and fourth with how I feel. I would looove to stay another transfer so I can stay with Sister Reed and Elder Clarke. I will tell you in a week! 

I will end with a thought from my Book of Mormon study. We read in Mosiah chapter 23:

21 Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people;

yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.

Even when we are being righteous the Lord will continually prove us. We live for a pretty long time on the earth. That is because the Lord will put us through many trials. Sometimes when bad times come we think, noooo whyyyy, what have I done? But just like it says, NEVERTHELESS (no matter how we live) the Lord will test us. Over and over again. He has shown us here in the scriptures that that is His plan, so it should be no surprise. So instead of getting doubtful or frustrated when yet another trial or hard time comes, let us rejoice and take notice that the teachings and promises of the Book of Mormon are coming to pass in our lives!

I love you and hope you have a lovely week! I love my Savior and I love serving here in Germany. There is no other place where I would rather be than the streets o' Leipzig. 

ALLES LIEBE

Sister Mittleman

Leipzig- Schwester's Mittleman & Kronwitter

I Have Spent A Year As "Sister Mittleman" What A Life!

August 31, 2015

I HOPE YOU ATE ICE CREAM. I did. And I spent like 7€....WORTH IT. 

Spaghetti Ice Cream 

On 28 August, Friday I reached my year mark as a missionary! I have spent a year as "Sister Mittleman" What a life!

Sister Reed and I got ice cream that only looks like spaghetti momma!!! it was sooooo gooood. I’ll send pics.

We have interviews with President on Tuesday night, at around 20 40 woohooo!!! We shall see if it's in German or not.

The primary program was yesterday and it was SO CUTE. The kids were many and they sang so well. Of course there were those who got shy and cried then those who couldn't stay away from the mic. I loved it!! Such a sweet spirit in the chapel, indeed. 

Holger was at church last week, I forgot to mention that!!!! Way fun. This week he was in Dresden so we couldn’t meet, we see him this week though. :)

Now to the good stuff!!

In reflecting I have tried to think about what I have "learned" since being on my mission. It is hard to narrow everything down. Soooo many different experiences and emotions have been apart of my missionary life. 

I think most importantly I have strengthened my testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ, and His work here on Earth. I often say how much I love it here, but as you know it isn't all perfect. It is hard! A mission is not just some glamorous trip, it's a serious and sacred calling. This is the work of salvation we are talking about! The real deal. There have been times when I have asked myself, "But how? How can I survive all of this?  It's too exhausting." But I keep going and working along. There is indeed opposition in all things. I have really felt my love for the Gospel grow. I have strengthened my testimony of the plan of salvation. I have become very aware of how precious this message is. It would be way cool to sit inside all day and read the scriptures and rejoice in how great God is all by myself. But God has not just sent us here to help ourselves. We have the precious opportunity to help others as well. DO WE EVEN KNOW WHAT WE HAVE?  I have realized how much God believes in us! He trusts a 20 year old young lady to approach people in the street or at their door and in broken (jk let's be real) PRETTY DECENT German try to talk to them about their family or Jesus Christ.  And that's pretty wild! But that is what He has asked of me, so I will do it. I know that He uses me, the weak and simple, to accomplish the great. Even when it seems that what I am doing is small or trivial, I know that it has worth. 

That is something else I have learned on the mission, everything, EVERYTHING good that we do is building up the kingdom of God. It does not come just with teaching or baptizing. But in ALL of our efforts. There may be missionaries in south America who are baptizing oodles of people every week, and there may be missionaries in Germany struggling to have decent if spiritual conversations with those they meet every day. Christ completed the Atonement for us, but that is not the only record we have of His time on the Earth. He performed miracles, and He served in soooo many ways possible. Just because playing with children was not suffering in the garden, does not mean it is of no worth at all. Christ taught us to go about doing good, to help and uplift others. We are to be example "in word and in deed of the divinity of His great and marvelous latter day work!" Not juuuuust baptize. Were that the case then I might have gone home awhile ago ;) He has asked me to be here, and to represent Him; I will do what He wants me to do! Whether it be baptize everyone in Germany or even just smile at everyone in Germany. Even if I want to baptize the whole country, I will do what HE wants done. We must be ready and willing for it all. Whatever the assignment may be, it comes from Him, and therefore it is important!

I have experienced so many moments of great joy. And I have cried and felt feelings of hopelessness and despair. Christ loved, and He wept as well. Our experiences may be hard, but the Gospel is simple. I know that God will ALWAYS be there for us. We can literally feel His comfort and love.  I know that He loves me. I know that Christ paid the price for my sins, and died and was resurrected so I one day can do the same. I know that the Gospel is not just some nice idea, but that it is the most important message that should and must be taken to the whole world. 

I can keep going and fight the good fight. When things are hard sometimes I just have to say GET OVER IT.  WOOHOO. Bold, I know, but come on!!! The Lord is on my side. I have the rest of eternity to enjoy myself. 

That's about all I have time for, but those are a few things that were on my mind this week. I have six months left that I hope will go by slower than the past year!!! 

I love my mission. These experiences and feelings I am having are so special and so important to me.  I love Germany, and I love serving those here. Life is good.

alles liebe,

Sister Mittleman

Leipzig- Schwester's Reed & Mittleman

Inside I Was Just Like HEAVENLY FATHER- BUT HOW????

August 24, 2015

Ich grüße euch aus Leipzig!

This Friday I reach my year mark. I have become very thoughtful about the past year, but I'll probably send a longer email next week after I am officially one year out. Oh the suspense.

Sooooo this week was tiring. It all led up to our little field trip to Berlin on Thursday. 

Monday we went to an American family in the ward to work on personal progress with the mom and daughter, who is still working on adjusting to life here. They are both so sweet and being in their home makes me feel so at home!

Tuesday it rained cats and dogs. We called a tooooon of people from our area book, and either found out that they have no interest, or they don't recall ever giving their number out and want to know how we got it :) some were pretty angry. Sometimes one just has to hang up...ha!

Wednesday-service. The lady there told us that we always have such good moods and that we are just the sweetest. Oh man all we do is household chores and she is just so kind! It is nice hearing some verbal appreciation every once in a while :) Ate döner met with Holger, and our joint teach came this time! It was a pretty easy going lesson. He just needs to take on the plan of God, and stop wondering how he can go further on his own way. I know that the plan of salvation is for all of us, and reaches and satisfies our needs, despite the different lives we all may lead.  Holger brought ice cream this time. He is so cool!!

Thursday- mission tour in Berlin!!!! We had to be there at 8 to practice with the choir. Which meant waking up at like 4 laaaaame but worth it. On the train ride up the scenery was gorgeous. Lots of misty fields and forests. I was almost convinced that I would see Mr. Darcy suddenly come into view. (Just kidding, who even is that??...)

Sooo with a mission tour a General Authority comes and speaks to us at a conference. Like a band taking a tour around the mission...ONLY BETTER, (wow, see how much I have changed?! haha.)  Elder Johnson was really a solid man. As he started talking I was suddenly filled with feelings of failure, and inadequacy. Things are going slow in our area and I've been struggling to keep my spirits up. And then after a few minutes he asked, " Do you ever feel inadequate? Like you’re just not good enough?" and inside I was just like HEAVENLY FATHER- BUT HOW???? Oh man so he continued to address us all on why these feelings come and how to overcome them. It was just for me! What a tender mercy that was to have a deep concern addressed in such a perfect setting. He talked much about the enabling power of the Atonement. He straight up told us, that in life we are all inadequate. And it's true! Alone we are nothing. Too often I try avoiding such thoughts, trying to justify my weaknesses or figure out what is wrong with me, etc. But Elder Johnson told us that we CANNOT spend time worrying about how incapable or weak we are. It is just a fact of life! It does not matter that we are weak, because we have the enabling power of the Atonement. We do not and should not go through life alone, leaning on our own abilities. I should not try to not be inadequate, rather I should start straight off by applying the Atonement in all that I do. Like in Ether 12:27, the Lord has GIVEN us these weaknesses. And He will help us. Coming to earth and being in a natural and weak state is like falling into water. I am wet. There is nothing I can do to change the fact that this has happened. Instead of trying to comfort myself by denying the fact that I am wet, or get upset at myself for the way things are, I can dry off. Why spend time worrying about the fact that I am soaked when I can move on! See what I am saying. If not, sorry, it makes sense in my head. Heavenly Father and Christ are both ALREADY AWARE that we are small and simple, and much of the time inadequate, but that is not what determines our salvation. They care more that we reach out for help that we try to change. It's all a part of the plan. What a life, what a life. I know that if we reach out for help, we will feel the power of the Atonement strengthen and build us up. 

I am really struggling in this city, but I love it here. Leipzig is the perfect place to visit in the summer. There is a huge market plaza, lots of shopping, tooooons of cafes, and cool people. 

This Friday Sister Reed and I are going to live fancy and get spaghetti Eis (google a pic) at some cafe for my year mark. I am excited :)

I have never been so tired!!!!! Sister Reed and I have vowed that the phrase, " I am tired" is now forbidden. haha it's hard but tis a good idea. 

Well that is all that's in my head right now. I love you wish you a looovely week. Eat ice cream on the 28th :)

alles liebe

Sister Madison Mittleman

Mission Conference- Elder Brimhall & Madison

Zone Conference with Sis Reed

Sometimes I Feel Like We Walk Around Carrying A Million Dollars Asking People If They Want ILeipt.

August 17, 2015

MEGAN HIT A YEAR. meine güüüüüte that is crazy!!!!!!!!! Her emails are so good, I am so proud and I admire her so much. One year is such a long tiiiiiiime!!!

Let’s not get carried away though....

SOOOO this week was looooong and tiiiiiiring. 

Monday we went to the Zooooooooo. It was really cool and super nice!!! I looooved it!!! My favorite parts were the tiger and the giraffes. The tiger was sleeping but still looked cool. It was hard taking our time and going slow, as we are so used to walking with purpose. Overall it was a good time.

Leipzig Zoo

Wednesday we had service. We help out at the Ronald Mcdonald House here in Leipzig. We did some weeding outside. Felt just like home, haha! Then we booked it to an eating appointment with the same schwester from last week. She asked us if we liked fish, we said yes. Then she started dishin it out and it was like looong pieces of .... fish.....so we started eating and then sister reed asked her how she made it and she was all like, oh it's super easy it's just raw herring......WAAHHHHHHH I was only a third done and I didn't know what I was going to do. Oh man there was so much. Then there was schnitzel and more potatoes on top of that. And then sweets. And this thick joghurt drink. ohhhh mannnn most of it was really good. außer the fish part....and we were stuffed and running late. We had an appt with Holger in the city and had to catch our bahn. hahha literally as soon as we said goodbye at her gate we started runnnninnng to the stop. Tummy full of raw fish and potatoes and the baking heat don't mix. Of course on the way there a member comes around the corner on her bike and is like "oh looking good! " hahaha. BUT we made it. On the way to our appt our joint teach called and said he couldn't come. schade!!! The appt was goooooood.  So he thinks he is already as near to God as he can get, without baptism or the temple. That was the main discussion. It was a bit frustrating and I felt myself getting a little fresh with my questions, HOWEVER we all settled down and it ended pretty well. He is going to continue meeting and reading in the Book of Mormon!!! He is so funny and I want him to understand and feel the truth of what we are saying. It is hard when something is so clear to us, but so noot for someone else. 

This week we talked to a lot of people about God. Here in East Germany there are several people who have simply grown up without God, and then those to whom He is not important at all. I think I really feel some of the sadness that Heavenly Father feels when His children fall away from Him. We ask people if they will at least TRY to see if He is there, because we know that it can make a difference in their lives. But still they say no.  Everyday we walk away from people and I just wish they could have what we have. Sometimes I feel like we walk around carrying a million dollars asking people if they want it. If they want it they can have it. But it's too grand an idea, isn't it? SO IST ES. we have the most precious message that anyone could dream of. It kills me when so many people say no!!! Often this week I was just praying and asking Heavenly Father how He does it. In the last year or so I have really felt a bit of the heartbreak He feels. 

Saturday we tausched with the Leipzig 2 sisters, as sis smith was still not feeling well. sooo I got to go hit the streets with sister Gebhard. We taught a lady they had found a week before and it was SOOO COOOOL. This lady is golden. We were sitting in the chapel having just explained the Book of Mormon, and she started crying! Then she said, I just have such a good feeling right now. Oh man it was a spiritual heaven. She is German and so cute!! Those sisters are blessed to have found her!!

Wellllll we go to Berlin this week, we have mission tour. What what!! Elder Johnson is coming, from the area seventy. Half the mission will be there yaaaaaay. Sister Reed and I get to sing in a mini choir. But none of my past comps will be there booooo they are in the West.  But I'm stoked to see President Fingerle again. 

SPEAKING OF PAST COMPS.... SISTER NORTON AND ELDER CARPENTER ARE ENGAGED!!!!!!!! Insert tears of happiness here.  Well I guess I should say Stacie and Kord. Feels like they were just here....

naja! I hope you have a gooood weeeeek fillled with spiritual moments in your hearts. egal what happens on the outside we can be at peace and happy inside.

alles liebe

Sister Madison Mittleman

I Know I Say This All The Time But Sundays We Really Eat Like Queens.

August 10, 2015

This week was pretty good. Mostly.

Tuesday we went to a member's house, and she invited a long time friend who was also really cool. It was one of those eating appointments where we were expected to eat A LOT. Ohhhh man. I walked in and saw the table full of hot food (and it was pretty hot outside, let's not forget) and I just didn't know what to think. BUT it was reallllly gooood and then we had a solid discussion about prophets and God's love. They are both really funny German ladies.

I GOT MY YEAR MARK PACKAGE!! Oh my gosh the sour skittles!!!!!!!!! Major thankkkkkkssssss what a sweet surprise of goodies. My own conference Ensign-now we're talkin'

Wednesday we went to this past investigator's place and turns out she is a learned native American healer.... So very soon after we entered it became clear that her opinion wouldn't be going in a more specific direction (from what she said and just from what was around) however, we had a solid conversation about Jesus and faith. One of the greatest things I've learned on the mission is patience. Soooo many times I just wanted to interrupt her, tell her she was wrong, say something about our nothingness in comparison to the wisdom of God, etc etc. buuuuut I didn't. It was hard. But people have their own right to believe what they want to believe. If they allow themselves to be touched by the spirit, then it happens. But if not, I shouldn't try to force it on them. naja.

Later we met with Holger!! We went through the restoration, he was pretty enthralled and just kept asking what came next. When we cleared it all up and gave him the Book of Mormon, he got just a bit apprehensive, as he has already found his own way to Jesus through energy. But he said he will read and pray about it. We shared our testimonies that the Book of Mormon can be used by every single one of us on the earth, EVERYONE. I love that about the restored gospel. I know that it can touch the hearts of us all.

Thurs I wasn't feeling well so we stayed home and slept for a few hours. We got to meet Elder White, Elder Clarke's new companion! He is really nice. I'm excited that he can start his mission here.

Friday we had a cool district meeting. Sister Reed and I gave a thema on member appointments. There are often things that we can't control, if they like us or not, if they chatter too much, etc but if we listen to the promptings of the spirit and do OUR part according to the Spirit, then it will be good.

Saturday we had to add sister Gebhard (sister from the other ward) to our companionship, as her comp wasn’t feeling well and went to stay with a member. We all went to a lesson with one of their investigators, and the guy was telling us how important it is that we do this, that we approach people in the street and try to tell them about God's plan for us. That was tender to hear.

Sunday we ate at the previous bishop's house with his wife. They are an older couple. Meat. Potatoes. Rotkohl. Soße. EIS. need I say more? IT WAS SOOOOOO GOOOOOD. I know I say this all the time but Sundays we really eat like queens. (I miss being home.) Then the bishop took us outside and got on a little ladder and picked apples from their apple tree to give to us. hahaha I was hoping the little man wouldn't fall off!

Madison helping the Bishop pick apples!

naja. This week lacked some enthusiasm on my part, and I think my attitude was a bit of a downer. Sometimes there are those moments where I realize that I am feeling down, but I don't do anything about it. I let myself stay wilted. I think these feelings come from not seeing the worth of our efforts, or just thinking that I am not capable of doing good here. In my mind I know that's not true, but in my heart it's harder to feel that it's important. My goal for this week is to stay enthusiastic. How will I do that? I'll tell you. By thinking of my love for the Savior. He has asked me to be here, so I will stay here. This is his work, and I love Him. Easy solution.

Have a reallly gooooood week.

liebe grüße aus Leipzig

Sister  Madison Mittleman

Leipzig, Germany